We look to principals as somewhat of a role model for students to follow after. They aren’t perfect, but we hope that they show us how to live educated lives. However, that isn’t always the case.
A former principal has been jailed on account of a DUI crash. She previously resided at Enterprise Elementary in Lancaster, with a population of over 600 students. On November 15th, 2018, she was the cause of a head-on collision that claimed the life of 29-year-old Jessica Ordaz of Lancaster. Kruppe has since been in jail in lieu of a $2 million bail.
Kruppe pleaded not guilty to the charges she faced during an April 2019 arraignment. However, the Ordaz family finally received justice when an Antelope Valley jury found Kruppe guilty of one count each of second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated on February 4th, 2020. The former principal is now facing fifteen years to life in state prison, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The Former Principal Makes a Wrong Move into Traffic
On the night of November 15, 2018 at approximately 6:50 p.m., Kruppe drove southbound on 50th Street East in a 2014 Jeep Wrangler. Suddenly, she veered left into oncoming traffic and slammed head-on with a 2010 Mazda driven by the victim, Jessica Ordaz.
Unfortunately, Ordaz sustained severe injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Kruppe was transported to a hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. According to the evidence presented at trial, her blood alcohol content measured at 0.19 percent two hours after the tragedy occurred—more than twice the legal limit. California Highway Patrol investigators arrested Kruppe later that night.
The Agonizing Response
The Ordaz family made heart-wrenching statements in the court expressing their anger on behalf of tragically losing a loved one to careless, deathly decision making.
Salvador Ordaz, the victim’s brother, stated “you stole her heartbeat. You ruined our lives.”
Jessica’s mother further expressed, “this lady is responsible, already knowing she could kill someone drinking and driving. That’s what she did, leaving my family broken and extremely sad for the rest of our lives.”
The Ordaz family built a shrine to honor the life of Jessica on 50th Street East, north of Avenue P, where she passed away. Although her life was taken, her family will keep her memory alive in their hearts.
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