LAS VEGAS, NV – A Nevada woman has been sentenced to between 12 and 35 years in prison following a fatal incident in which she ran over her boyfriend during what authorities describe as an alcohol- and drug-fueled confrontation in May.
Julie Bush, 31, pleaded guilty in March to voluntary manslaughter and DUI resulting in death for the killing of Richard “Rick” Penardo, 51. The sentence was handed down Tuesday in a Clark County courtroom after Bush admitted to using fentanyl before the fatal altercation.
The deadly encounter unfolded outside Penardo’s Las Vegas home. According to court documents, Bush discovered tampons in her boyfriend’s trash, which she suspected belonged to another woman, sparking an explosive argument. Investigators later determined the items most likely belonged to Penardo’s roommate.
In the moments before the crash, witnesses and security footage showed Penardo arming himself with a metal chain, which he used to smash the windows of Bush’s vehicle that night. In a series of escalating acts, Bush attempted to drive at Penardo multiple times, striking another vehicle in the process. On her third attempt, prosecutors said, Bush accelerated and struck Penardo directly, throwing him against a brick wall. He suffered severe injuries, including multiple brain bleeds and collapsed lungs, and died the following day.
During the sentencing hearing, Bush, who appeared visibly distraught, spoke directly to the judge and the victim’s family, expressing sorrow and regret for her actions. She told the court she wished she could change what happened but that nothing would fully satisfy the pain caused.
Penardo’s family members also addressed the court, with his mother describing her son as imperfect but undeserving of such a violent end. She specifically blamed Bush for escalating the situation and bringing turmoil to her son’s life.
The incident shocked neighbors in the quiet residential area and drew attention to domestic violence and substance abuse issues in the region. Police later recovered methamphetamine and fentanyl from Bush’s car and confirmed she was under the influence of drugs during the confrontation.
Bush was initially charged with open murder, multiple DUI counts, attempted murder, domestic battery, and drug possession. She ultimately accepted a plea deal for lesser charges.
Court records show Penardo had a prior criminal history, having served time for unemployment insurance fraud and accepting a plea in an unrelated 2008 murder case.
The judge’s ruling means Bush will spend at least 12 years behind bars before becoming eligible for parole. If parole is denied, she could remain incarcerated for up to 35 years. Authorities say the events leading to Penardo’s death were captured on a home surveillance system, providing crucial evidence in the case.