Since no one has posted information about Ronald Mandella's death, I realized I needed to do so, since he died in an act of bravery. I was working at DMV in Sacramento from 1975-1978, and during that time there was a young woman who worked in my section who was trying to leave her husband. He wasn't happy about their separation, and it was common knowledge around the office that she feared him. He was sometimes seen lurking around the building in the afternoons. One afternoon she left work as usual and was walking to her car, which was parked on a nearby residential street. Her husband was waiting. I can't remember the weapon he had in his possession, but Ronald Mandella happened to be walking by at the time, saw the trouble, and tried to intervene and help the young woman. The husband killed his wife and he also killed Ronald Mandella. When I read about the murders in the newspaper the next day, I was not only shocked to learn about the death of my co-worker, I was also shocked to learn the name of the good samaritan. I knew he was my former classmate. I believe there was a community garden in downtown Sacramento that was subsequently named after him, to honor his bravery.
I had the privilege of working with Ron's father at the time of Ron's death. Years later, I worked for Ron's cousin, Rick Mandella, at the California Board of Prison Terms from 1995 until I retired in 2006. The Mandellas are the most kind, considerate, and thoughtful people one could ever meet. I still keep in touch with Rick, even though I'm now in Washington State and he is still in the Sacramento area.
I believe the perpetrator of the crime was armed with a gun. He killed his wife (or girlfriend), and shot Ron, then turned the gun on himself. When the ambulance arrived at the scene, the EMTs decided the perpetrator was in worse condition than Ron, so he was taken to the hospital first. Ron was still alive when he arrived at the hospital, but the family had to discontinue life support. The perpetrator survived, and was convicted of one count of first degree murder and one count of second degree murder (for Ron's death).
The perpetrator is still in prison, but he is eligible for parole consideration hearings. The family members of the victims have the right to attend the hearings and provide their input, or they may prepare video tapes, or send letters that are made a part of the proceedings. Usually the prosecuting district attorneys also provide their input, either by written statement or sending a representative to the hearing.
Carol, thank you for clarifying the events relating to Ron's death. As time passed I forgot some of those important details. Although I didn't know Ron, somehow I always had the distinct impression that he was a very nice person. My heart goes out to his family, and the pain they've suffered all these years.
Thanks for adding your additional comments. I think Ron died in 1976, but don't quote me. I didn't know him very well either. As I recall, he was a very quiet person, maybe very shy, and I can't remember if I had any classes with him. His Dad has also passed away. He was a wonderful person, as are all the Mandellas I've had the honor to meet and get to know.
Ron and I were casual friends in high school, and he was a friendly and easy-going guy who never had a bad word to say about anyone. I had hoped to see him at our first reunion, but he was killed as described above by an irate husband while walking down the street in Curtis Park (if I remember it correctly). It think his family owned Mandella's Liquor store at the time. We liked to eat lunch in the Lion's Den. He would have had a great life, because he had a great attitude.
Paul, I'm glad you added your comments about Ron. Yes, the violence occurred in the Curtis Park area near DMV. You described Ron exactly the way I thought of him, even though I didn't know him. Thank you.
Alison Irene Higgens (Rood)
Since no one has posted information about Ronald Mandella's death, I realized I needed to do so, since he died in an act of bravery. I was working at DMV in Sacramento from 1975-1978, and during that time there was a young woman who worked in my section who was trying to leave her husband. He wasn't happy about their separation, and it was common knowledge around the office that she feared him. He was sometimes seen lurking around the building in the afternoons. One afternoon she left work as usual and was walking to her car, which was parked on a nearby residential street. Her husband was waiting. I can't remember the weapon he had in his possession, but Ronald Mandella happened to be walking by at the time, saw the trouble, and tried to intervene and help the young woman. The husband killed his wife and he also killed Ronald Mandella. When I read about the murders in the newspaper the next day, I was not only shocked to learn about the death of my co-worker, I was also shocked to learn the name of the good samaritan. I knew he was my former classmate. I believe there was a community garden in downtown Sacramento that was subsequently named after him, to honor his bravery.Carol Jean Covington (Carol Covington)
I had the privilege of working with Ron's father at the time of Ron's death. Years later, I worked for Ron's cousin, Rick Mandella, at the California Board of Prison Terms from 1995 until I retired in 2006. The Mandellas are the most kind, considerate, and thoughtful people one could ever meet. I still keep in touch with Rick, even though I'm now in Washington State and he is still in the Sacramento area.I believe the perpetrator of the crime was armed with a gun. He killed his wife (or girlfriend), and shot Ron, then turned the gun on himself. When the ambulance arrived at the scene, the EMTs decided the perpetrator was in worse condition than Ron, so he was taken to the hospital first. Ron was still alive when he arrived at the hospital, but the family had to discontinue life support. The perpetrator survived, and was convicted of one count of first degree murder and one count of second degree murder (for Ron's death).
The perpetrator is still in prison, but he is eligible for parole consideration hearings. The family members of the victims have the right to attend the hearings and provide their input, or they may prepare video tapes, or send letters that are made a part of the proceedings. Usually the prosecuting district attorneys also provide their input, either by written statement or sending a representative to the hearing.
Alison Irene Higgens (Rood)
Carol, thank you for clarifying the events relating to Ron's death. As time passed I forgot some of those important details. Although I didn't know Ron, somehow I always had the distinct impression that he was a very nice person. My heart goes out to his family, and the pain they've suffered all these years.Carol Jean Covington (Carol Covington)
Hello Allison,Thanks for adding your additional comments. I think Ron died in 1976, but don't quote me. I didn't know him very well either. As I recall, he was a very quiet person, maybe very shy, and I can't remember if I had any classes with him. His Dad has also passed away. He was a wonderful person, as are all the Mandellas I've had the honor to meet and get to know.
Paul J Rodgers
Ron and I were casual friends in high school, and he was a friendly and easy-going guy who never had a bad word to say about anyone. I had hoped to see him at our first reunion, but he was killed as described above by an irate husband while walking down the street in Curtis Park (if I remember it correctly). It think his family owned Mandella's Liquor store at the time. We liked to eat lunch in the Lion's Den. He would have had a great life, because he had a great attitude.Alison Irene Higgens (Rood)
Paul, I'm glad you added your comments about Ron. Yes, the violence occurred in the Curtis Park area near DMV. You described Ron exactly the way I thought of him, even though I didn't know him. Thank you.Manuel Huerta Gutierrez
Ron was a great student in school and a great human being he is missed I remember him in school always happy. Manny Gutierrez Sr. Baker City Or