• Brendan Khuri, the son of LA real-estate tycoon James Khuri, was sentenced with a verdict of juvenile camping of nine months for killing female secretary Monique Munoz, aged 32, in a fatal accident involving his birthday-gifted Lamborghini, retailed at a minimum of $218,000. 

• Following the fatal February collision, the youngster Brendan was diagnosed with autism, depression, and attention deficit disorder, according to his lawyer.

• Sentences followed after lawyers argued the teen would be ‘victimized’ for his mental health condition at the camp.

Superior Court Judge of Los Angeles County, Sabina Helton, in her ruling, stated that a “consistent lack of accountability” has been observed in Brendan Khuri’s life, and his parent’s role is questionable in this regard. 

The ruling came after lawyers argued the mental health and state of mind of the juvenile, citing diagnosed autism, depression, and attention deficit disorder. 

The catastrophic crash occurred in February. They also claimed the defendant would be ‘victimized’ in the camp for his condition and that house arrest would be suitable. 

This sparked outrage along with the juvenile sentencing, as the prosecutors felt that Brendan was sent to the juvenile camp, as his history of repeating such incidents was evident in his record. Brendan was behind the wheels racing with his girlfriend when it crashed into Monique Munoz at more than 100mph. 

In April, the 17-year-old pleaded guilty to ‘manslaughter with high negligence’, with the highest penalty for nine months. Brendan’s defence attorney had argued that he should serve probation at his family’s mansion, citing mental health reasons and outraging the rest with this claim.

“House arrest in a mansion is not punishment. He took an innocent life in a careless and senseless way,” said Cynthia Crespin, Munoz’s cousin in court. “I call it the lollipop sentence and going to Camp Snoopy,” said Munoz’s uncle, Richard Cartier. 

The sentencing still attracted protests and shock from the victim’s family, who said the millionaire defendant was given a cushion and should have been prosecuted as a full adult.

It should be noted that Los Angeles Juvenile Probation Camps are centres for those between 10 to 21. These detention camps provide education, counselling, and other services to the sentenced. Family visits are allowed in them.

This fatal incident was one of many in the time of Brendan Khuri. He had his license suspended for over-speeding in Beverly Hills. The police also claimed the teen had posted on social media about drifting and other driving stents and engaging in them. 

Brendan addressed the court and the Munoz family, saying, “I realize my suffering does not even come close to what you have gone through,” He further added, “I was a spoiled, reckless 17-year-old who thought I was invincible.”

Monique Munoz had been preparing to start law school. Her mother, Carol, 54, was too heartbroken to be available for comment and posted her grief and loss on social media.

This was further given air as Munoz’s friends and family claim that the son was given special care due to his multi-millionaire father, James Khuri, who owns several firms and e-commerce businesses. 

Aside from the hustle and bustle of the court, lawyers of both families have worked out a financial settlement and are close to finalizing it in order to allow both families to heal. Protesters were found swarming the crash site, chanting and displaying ‘Justice for Monique’ sign cards.