San Mateo County prosecutors aren't certain yet if they will file vehicular manslaughter charges against the San Francisco driver accused of causing the fatal crash that killed a Peninsula photojournalist and her teenage daughter.
On Friday, South San Francisco police forwarded its report and recommendation to the District Attorney's Office. Unless Wen Tu Mei is arrested, prosecutors have an indeterminate amount of time to file charges.
"We aren't under any time constraints because it appears that there is no expected change in Mr. Mei's condition," said Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.
Mei remains hospitalized with severe injuries he sustained during the Jan. 30 collision that killed Susan Caldwell, 41, a photographer for the Examiner and Independent newspapers, and her 14-year-old daughter, Nina. Once he is arrested and taken into police custody, prosecutors have 72 hours to formally arraign him on whatever charges they deem suitable. Although the police report will be considered, its recommendation won't necessarily dictate Mei's fate.
Prosecutors will likely make a decision about Mei's case in the next couple of weeks, Wagstaffe said.
A conviction on vehicle manslaughter charges would likely send Mei to prison for about 10 years with a requirement he serve at least 50 percent of the time.
Mei collided with Caldwell's vehicle while passing another vehicle on a two-lane section of Bayshore Boulevard. Caldwell's car flipped several times before landing on its roof.
Caldwell and her daughter
were on their way to the Golden Gate Kennel Club dog show at the Cow Palace when Mei struck their car.
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