Residents in Kate Steinle's hometown of Pleasanton react to 'not guilty' verdict
PLEASANTON, Calif. (KGO) -- The verdict in the Kate Steinle case sent shock waves throughout the Bay Area, but it really hit home in Pleasanton where she grew up.
The verdict is still sinking in. Last night, people were angry, but now it seems there's a big sense of disappointment.
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"It's horrible. Poor family, as I was reading it last night my first thought was to the dad," said Shay Conway, a resident of Pleasanton.
Sympathy and heartbreak are being expressed for the family of Kate Steinle after hearing the accused killer was found not guilty for her death.
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"I was very very disappointed with how that verdict went along. It's very sad to see at about my age had to die," said Lukas Krattiger of Pleasanton.
Steinle grew up in the East Bay city of Pleasanton and attended Amador Valley High School. Some were following the case closely and can't believe the outcome.
"I don't agree with the verdict that nothing happens. I think probably manslaughter or criminal negligence something should have happened," said Jennifer Shadd, a Pleasanton resident who followed the case.
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But others are trying not to pass judgment on the jury.
"Is justice served? Who am I to say, I wasn't on the jury. I think people who weren't on the jury and didn't listen to the testimony we have an obligation to reserve judgment that's why we have juries. We entrust them that responsibility," exclaimed Conway.
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Some residents think the jury's decision will haunt the Bay Area. There are strong opinions from people who say San Francisco's sanctuary city status protected the gunman who was undocumented and had been deported five times.
Robert Urbina, a Pleasanton resident said, "It puts a bad reflection on the Bay Area as a whole because other states are going to look like this and say they're a sanctuary city, this guy is walking off scott free."
Steinle's family still lives in Pleasanton. Those who know the family did not want to speak out because they want to respect the family's privacy.
TIMELINE: How the Kate Steinle case unfolded
Click here to look back at the events of the Kate Steinle murder trial.
