SACRAMENTO, California — A Sacramento Police Detective pleaded not guilty in court on Monday after being charged with vehicular manslaughter.
Jonathan Nangle was arrested in September following a deadly crash that left two brothers dead last year.
The family members of those two brothers were present at the Superior Court of California on Monday. The mother and their sister told ABC10 they want justice.
"It's about to be a year and so we came to attend the court. We knew it was going to be really fast. We still decided to come and show up cause it's something really important for us," said Monique Rodriguez, the brothers' sister.
An attorney for Jonathon Nangle, the Sacramento police detective who was arrested on charges of vehicular manslaughter in the case, pleaded not guilty.
Virginia Carranza, the mother of the brothers, said it was like a slap to the face, for the detective not to even be present during the hearing.
An attorney told ABC10 he didn't have to be present because the charges are misdemeanors.
"It took them so long until the first court hearing and look how fast and he didn't plead guilty. They make me feel that this is case is worthless. That's how this court makes me feel," said Carranza.
The crash happened on Dec. 6, 2022 in the area of southbound Interstate 5 and Sutterville Road while the detective was on duty.
According to police, Nangle was in an unmarked vehicle when he hit two men on the side of the roadway.
Both those men, identified as 33-year-old Juan Carlos Rodriguez and 32-year-old Lionel Rodriguez, died.
Court documents indicate Nangle failed to maintain a lane while driving his vehicle.
The documents also said he killed the two men "without malice and without gross negligence.
But the family is demanding justice after learning the detective is facing two charges of vehicular manslaughter, which would be misdemeanors.
"You know it took them nine months to do, they processed and released him right there and then. And then it's about a year... and we're barely attending the first court. Yeah, I believe there can be much more done," said Rodriguez.
Carranza also said she believes the detective is being given special treatment, but she wants him to do the time deserved so her sons can rest in peace.
"It was a year ago that we were here with my sons for Thanksgiving, and all that brings me memories. I can't go to their house. It is very difficult," said Carranza.
A court hearing will continue here on Jan. 22 at 8:30 a.m. The family said they plan to be present.
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