Defendant fails to show for sentencing

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Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2001 | 10:17 a.m.

A no-bail bench warrant was issued for a Las Vegas man who failed to show up Monday for his sentencing in an involuntary manslaughter case.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Gary Booker said he was shocked that Isidro Rubio didn't appear before District Judge Nancy Saitta Monday, considering he might have received probation if he had.

Rubio, 18, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in June in the death of Faustino Palomar, 87, who died, prosecutors say, when Rubio lost control of his car and hit Palomar.

Rubio's plea agreement states that Saitta could give him as little as probation or a one- to four-year prison term.

Booker said either sentence is considered favorable under the circumstances.

Booker said he believes Rubio's inexperience in driving caused him to accidentally step on the gas instead of the brake while driving near Owens and Eastern avenues on May 28.