• A Nevada woman, Julie Bush, was sentenced to 12-35 years in prison for fatally running over her boyfriend, Richard Penardo, during a heated altercation fueled by suspicions of infidelity. The case, involving substance abuse, domestic violence, and a troubled history from both parties, ended in tragedy and sparked discussions about justice and accountability.

LAS VEGAS, NV — A Nevada woman was sentenced to up to 35 years in prison after fatally running over her boyfriend during a heated altercation, a deadly act sparked by her discovery of tampons in his garbage.

Julie Bush, 31, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and DUI resulting in death, avoiding an open murder conviction after her May 2024 confrontation with Richard “Rick” Penardo, 51, turned fatal. The incident, caught on a Ring security camera, exposed a chaotic series of events that ended with Bush accelerating her car into Penardo, causing injuries that led to his death the following day.

A Fight Over Tampons Turns Fatal

Court documents revealed that Bush’s discovery of tampons in Penardo’s home trash fueled her belief he had been cheating. After confronting him, the argument escalated when Penardo allegedly retrieved a steel chain and began smashing Bush’s car windows. According to police reports, Bush retaliated by using her vehicle to chase him down.

Her first attempt to hit Penardo failed, while her second caused damage to another vehicle. On her third attempt, she accelerated, striking Penardo and sending him into the air before his body crashed into a brick wall. He died from catastrophic injuries, including brain bleeds and collapsed lungs. “It was a terrible decision that ended in tragedy,” prosecutors stated during the sentencing hearing.

A Troubled History and Substance Abuse

Police found methamphetamine and fentanyl in Bush’s car, and she admitted to using fentanyl just hours before the confrontation. Her criminal history included charges of drug possession, domestic battery, and attempted murder, but those charges were dismissed as part of her plea deal.

Penardo, too, had a troubled past. His mother, Grace Fisher, acknowledged his mistakes, including a prior conviction for unemployment insurance fraud and a plea deal related to a 2008 murder case. Still, Fisher expressed heartbreak over his violent death, calling Bush a destructive force in his life. “She made his life a living hell,” Fisher told the court.

Tearful Apologies and Legal Consequences

During sentencing, Bush expressed regret, telling the court, “I love him very much… I wish I could change it, but I can’t.” Despite her tearful apology, Judge Carli Kierny sentenced her to 12-35 years, citing the severity of the crime and the lasting impact on Penardo’s family.

The case highlights a deadly intersection of domestic violence, substance abuse, and impulsive actions, with devastating consequences for everyone involved.

What Happens Next

Bush will serve her sentence in a Nevada state prison, where she will be eligible for parole in 12 years. For Penardo’s family, however, the emotional toll of his death is immeasurable.

What are your thoughts on this case? Comment below and share this story to continue the conversation about domestic violence and justice.

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