Bonney Lake man pleads guilty to vehicular homicide in death of teacher

BY Dan Restione  on January 3, 2013 @ 1:27 pm (Updated: 2:07 pm - 1/3/13 )

jason_stacy_ankerfelt.jpg
Jason and Stacy Ankerfelt celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle on July 30. Stacy later died of injuries suffered when she was hit outside her home in Auburn on July 19. (Photo courtesy: iveForward.com/ForStacy) | Zoom
His SUV hit and killed her last summer, now a Bonney Lake man has pleaded guilty to the vehicular homicide of a 28-year-old Kent fifth-grade teacher.

The Seattle Times reports 25-year-old Samuel Cruz entered the plea Wednesday, admitting to his role in the death of Stacy Ankerfelt in July.

Witnesses say Ankerfelt was hit outside her house by Cruz's SUV as she was heading out to buy school supplies. She was hit with such violence her body flew 30 feet through the air and landed at her neighbor's doorstep.

Despite the terrible injuries, Ankerfelt hung on in the hospital for a month, even celebrating her sixth wedding anniversary with husband Jason in intensive care.

"I got to put her ring on her finger that I have on my neck and took a picture of our hands together," Jason told KIRO Radio earlier this year.

Cruz told police he had been taking a prescription drug at the time to help ease his withdrawal from Oxycodone.

"She was an innocent sweet girl," said her husband Jason, with a message to Cruz. "If you're on prescription medication do the right thing and follow the directions on the bottle. There's a reason that it's printed on there."

The Seattle Times reports prosecutors and defense attorneys together will recommend Cruz be sentenced to just over eight years in prison when he next goes before the judge on January 25.

Dan Restione, KIRO Radio Producer
After signing on at News Talk 97.3 KIRO FM back in the waning days of the 1980's, Dan's worked his way up from the ranks- working as Desk Assistant, Morning Editor, Afternoon Editor, and Reporter.
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Comments (5)


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  • daveismenotyou wrote...
    Sad picture
    January 3, 2013 1:11 pm
    Just want to know though, how does her profession come into play at all? If she were a butcher crossing the street to get a sharp knife, would the headline reflect her profession then?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • pepsi freak wrote...
    dave is me
    January 3, 2013 2:15 pm
    i kinda see what you are saying. just like when a mother or pregnant woman gets killed, thats how they phrase it "a mother of two killed" or "an 8 month pregnant lady was killed" well, i am neither a mom, nor am i pregnant, makes me wonder if my life has less value? in any result, it's a sad story.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • jcc_engr1 wrote...
    I am not Dave. You can keep him, he's kind of a P o s...
    January 3, 2013 7:29 pm
    Teachers are public servants by the nature of their profession. It is not to say that all who are teachers are exceptional people by virtue of their profession, however it is worthy of mention in this story as this lovely young woman was on her way to buy supplies for her work as a teacher when she was struck down, not because she was obligated to, but because she cared that much about those who might learn from her, that she thought it important to do so. Dave, f ov you weak @55 punk @55 biatch. Run down to your mommy's basement, suck on that double barrel and make it go click. you are a worthless human being.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • rational wrote...
    jcc_engr1
    January 3, 2013 8:20 pm
    Run down to your mommy's basement, suck on that double barrel and make it go click. you are a worthless human being.

    Wow...we should probably report you to the dept of homeland security...you are displaying a dangerous level of hatred and pent up wishes for others to die. Honestly, seek some counseling.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    Jcc
    January 4, 2013 9:36 am
    You are really cool, big tough guy. Take your own advise and run down to your mommy s basement, suck on that double barrel, make it go lick and do The ENTIRE WORLD a FAVOR!!!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }