With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Woman's Plea Earns Actor Who Hit Her And Ran A Harsher Sentence
A woman who was severely injured in a hit and run was able to convince the judge to give the man responsible a harsher punishment.
Voiceover artist and actress Camille Banham was riding her bike on August 6, 2013 when Spencer Lofranco, an actor who appeared in Unbroken, hit her with his SUV at Selma and Cahuenga in Hollywood, CBS LA reports. Bonham's injuries included a broken hip and a number of fractures. Investigators said that Lofranco got out of his car and apologized to Banham for hitting her, but then got back in his car and left.
Banham had use to use a wheelchair to get around while she relearned how to walk. She's still in a lot of pain and continues to undergo surgeries related to her injuries, throwing a wrench in her own acting career.
Lofranco was sentenced today, and he was expected to receive a mere 10 days of community service. Banham, however, attended the hearing and made a statement.
Support for LAist comes from
"I used to call what happened to me an accident, and it would've been an accident if Spencer had stayed and helped me after he got out of his car and saw me injured on the side of the road, but instead he chose to leave me," she said.
The judge decided to tack on an extra 40 days of community service, plus two years of probation. Lofranco must also pay $161,000 in restitution.
Lofranco, whose lawyer argued that he left the scene because he was scared, did get his charge reduced to a misdemeanor. Banham said she hopes the actor pays his luck forward.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump.
Best of LAist