Ecstasy death defendant weighs offer

At a pre-trial conference yesterday, Judge Richard Livermore ordered more probation reports before he decides whether the girl could be sent to the California Youth Authority. The girl was also told she has until Thursday to plead no contest to a fraction of the felonies. If she does, involuntary manslaughter charges will not be added. If she does not, the upgraded felony will still be considered, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

The other girl faces the same situation though she has yet to have her formal pre-trial conference, Wagstaffe said.

Since April 30, both girls have been in custody at Hillcrest Juvenile Facility.

The three girls took the pills at an April 23 slumber party in Belmont but only Perez had a severe reaction. The two friends did not alert an adult until early the next morning. By the time 911 was called, Perez was already unconscious. She was considered brain dead Sunday but was not taken off life support until the following Wednesday evening.

Five people have been arrested in connection to the drug use, including the two minor girls and one 17-year-old boy. Antonio Rivera, 20, of Belmont, is accused of giving the drug to 17-year-old Calin Fintzi who allegedly sold the drug to the girls.

Fintzi is charged with involuntary manslaughter and may still be charged as an adult. Authorities claim the girls called Fintzi after Perez reported feeling ill and he suggested they give her marijuana.

Rivera is looking at a dozen felony charges, including drug possession, possessing drugs for sale and giving drugs to a minor to sell. He is also charged in an unrelated drug sale case.

Fintzi is also housed at juvenile hall and Rivera remains in custody at San Mateo County Jail in lieu of $1 million.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 104.