© Tampa Tribune, published July 25, 2002

Grief Gives Way To Compassion

By JOSHUA B. GOOD

TAMPA - Thanks to an unexpected supporter, Justin Cabezas avoided up to 30 years in prison for a fiery drag- racing crash that killed an innocent motorist and her daughter.

Bruce Murakami cried Wednesday as he asked a judge for leniency for Cabezas, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the Nov. 16, 1998, crash that killed Murakami's wife, Cindy, 45, and daughter Chelsea, 11.

``I believe Justin is remorseful. He is a young man. I believe in giving him a chance,'' Murakami said.

Cabezas, 23, faced a maximum of 30 years in prison, though guidelines recommended 22 years.

Judge Ronald Ficarrotta heeded Murakami's plea and placed Cabezas on house arrest for two years, probation for eight years and 300 hours of community service.

If Cabezas stays out of trouble, his conviction will be set aside, the judge ruled. Much of that community service will be spent with Murakami speaking to teenagers about how a drag race can kill.

Murakami said he asked for mercy for Cabezas for several reasons. Cabezas apologized to him privately and again publicly during Wednesday's hearing.

Murakami said Cabezas has a chance to make something of his life. And Murakami's religious beliefs prompted him to forgive, he said.

``This is something I believe my wife and daughter would want, too,'' Murakami said.

Murakami's compassion is in contrast to his determination to see Cabezas charged. The Hillsborough State Attorney's Office refused to bring charges against Cabezas because of weaknesses in the case.

Cabezas' speed was estimated at 65 mph, 10 miles over the limit. A second estimate put it at 78 to 86 mph.

Witnesses told authorities that Cabezas, then 19, was racing a man driving a white Mustang on West Hillsborough Avenue when Cindy Murakami pulled out of Colony Crossings Plaza in her Ford Aerostar van and into the path of Cabezas' rented Intrepid.

But Murakami was persistent. ``I want my wife's name cleared,'' he said two years ago.

He hired a lawyer and a traffic engineer. He lobbied State Attorney Mark Ober and persuaded Ober to file charges.

Prosecutor Douglas Covington admitted, ``It wasn't the strongest case.''

Cabezas' attorney, Eddie Suarez, said he believed he had a highly defendable case. But risking years in prison, especially since Murakami's daughter burned to death in the van, was foolhardy.

Suarez arranged for Cabezas and Murakami to meet. Both cried as Cabezas apologized. Then Murakami told Covington he didn't want Cabezas to go to prison.

``I thank you, sir, for your compassion,'' Cabezas told Murakami Wednesday.