Charges dropped against lawyer involved in fatal hit-and-run

Thursday, March 13, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Justice of the Peace John Tatro dismissed the charge against Audrey Damonte following a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

"I don't think Ms. Damonte knew she hit a human being," Tatro said. "I know it's bizarre, but there's nothing to indicate she had knowledge."

Damonte, 32, was driving north on U.S. 395 when she struck and killed Don Ferris on Dec. 10.

Witnesses said Damonte stopped the vehicle, opened the door slightly, then left the scene.

She turned herself about three hours later after her Jeep broke down from damage caused by the collision.

Police reports said Ferris, 42, was wearing dark clothing, was outside a crosswalk and was legally intoxicated. Damonte admitted to having a few drinks that evening, but blood tests showed her driving ability was not impaired.

Prosecutors have said Damonte likely would not have been charged if she had remained at the scene.

But District Attorney Noel Waters argued she was required under state law to check what she had struck.

Waters said Tatro's ruling rewards "willful blindness," and would encourage others to "go on their way and keep their blinders on as long as possible."

The district attorney said he may seek to have Tatro's decision overturned.

Ferris' widow called the ruling appalling and said she plans to file a civil wrongful death suit against Damonte.

Cindy Ferris has said she feared Damonte would go unpunished because she is a lawyer and a member of a prominent Reno family.

"This is my worst nightmare come true," she said. "I think this is just another example of the justice system failing."