The three-justice panel from California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal rejected the defense’s contention that there was insufficient evidence that Mary Noel Kruppe, now 38, had the subjective knowledge that she engaged in conduct that was dangerous to human life.
Kruppe — who was the principal of Enterprise Elementary School in Lancaster at the time — veered left into oncoming traffic while driving southbound on 50th Street East, north of Avenue P, and her 2014 Jeep Wrangler collided head-on with a 2010 Mazda on Nov. 15, 2018.
The driver of the Mazda, 29-year-old Jessica Ordaz of Lancaster, was pronounced dead at the scene, and Kruppe was taken to a hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
Ordaz was pronounced dead at the scene, and Kruppe was injured in the crash.
“Defendant was not someone who had a drink or two and marginally exceeded the legal limit; the undisputed expert testimony was that defendant consumed in excess of four drinks and was well over the legal limit,” the appellate court panel wrote in its 15-page ruling, which noted that her blood- alcohol concentration was 0.19 — more than twice the legal limit — nearly two hours after the crash.
The appellate court justices found that jurors “could reasonably have inferred that defendant did, in fact, possess the common knowledge of the hazards of driving while intoxicated.”
“Defendant’s coordination of the elementary school’s participation in Red Ribbon Week meant she had general awareness of the risks presented by drugs and alcohol; educating the students about these risks was the entire purpose of the program,” the justices noted, adding that she lied after the crash about drinking and “tried to defeat the preliminary alcohol screening test by blowing inadequate breaths — demonstrating that she well knew that she should not, in fact, have been driving drunk.”
One of Kruppe’s friends had also repeatedly reminded her of the option of taking an Uber when she was drinking, according to the ruling. The appellate court panel noted that it was a “close case,” but concluded that the evidence was “sufficient.”
Kruppe was arrested the night of the crash by California Highway Patrol investigators and has remained behind bars since then.
Along with second-degree murder, she was convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. She was sentenced in February 2020 to 15 years to life in state prison.
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Claudia says
I am so happy this witch stays in jail. She ruined our lives forever. No forgiveness.
Jessica says
Upheld! Kruppe has time to think about all of her stupid decisions, she changed the lives of many people. The Kruppe family, the Ordaz family, and a few other families changed forever.
Fred says
This is an interesting precedent to set, saying she should have known better because she coordinated Red Ribbon Week. It could be argued that any driver should have known better.
It comes up during Red Ribbon, health classes, driver’s ed classes, PSAs and billboards. No driver can say they did not know or have prior knowledge that their drunk driving could kill someone. Then all deaths related to DUI should be second degree. With the amount of drunk driving, this is probably a good thing. Maybe it will be a deterrent, because the other charge can yield little jail time.
Estela says
Upheld conviction won’t bring Jessica back. But the family is at peace knowing this woman cant hurt another family. Prayers to both families, Kruppe hurt the Ordaz family and broke her own family.
Jip Joe says
While dating, I was surprised at how many women drank excessively (compared to me.) I would never go on another date once that was discovered. Now happily married for over 23 years. I have two drinks, then switch to water or ice tea. I do not have that ‘need’ to get wasted.
Kay says
She is right where she belongs. She’ll have plenty of time to think about what she’s done and the pain she has caused so many people, including her loved ones. Driving under the influence (no matter what the “influence” is–I sure smell a lot of weed coming out of car doors) just isn’t worth it.
Robbie says
Some of AV’s educators are the worse of the worse. Some of them become administrators.
We all know PHS coaches who were molesting students in the late 70’s early 80’s.
Emily says
She’s getting what she deserves for drinking and driving and taking the life of the young woman. Kruppe’s reputation around the district was a disgrace.
Conviction Upheld says
“One of Kruppe’s friends had also repeatedly reminded her of the option of taking an Uber when she was drinking…”
Kruppe may have been educated, but she wasn’t very smart. And the end result here is death and a lengthy prison sentence.
M. Moran Fisher says
Justice was served. Jessica and her family did not deserve this. Anyone that knew Jessica was left with a huge whole in their lives. For now, this women will not be causing the type a damaged she did while she was free and for that I am grateful. May Jessica Rest In Peace. Sending love & prayers to her family & friends.
Alexandria says
Perfect. Justice for the Ordaz family.
RIP Jessica