This is more than a DUI story — it’s a wake-up call, and a tribute to those who refused to look away.

In this episode of Off the Record, we revisit a devastating DUI crash that claimed a mother’s life and left her young daughter permanently injured. Several brave community members stepped in to help — and two of them joined us to share what happened that day.

As the holiday weekend approaches, let their actions remind us all: It takes a community to make a difference — and one decision to destroy a life. Please, don’t drink and drive.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/W4rlA0vIQAM

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#OffTheRecordPodcast #DriveSober #ConnectingCommunities #ProtectingPeople #DUIAwareness #CommunityHeroes

Episode Title: A Preventable Tragedy: The Reality of DUI Cases

Description:
In this special episode of Off the Record, Sacramento County Deputy District Attorney Courtney Martin walks listeners through the tragic reality of DUI-related incidents. This episode includes real body worn camera footage from an investigation involving a driver whose choices led to devastating consequences. We are sharing this material to raise awareness about the real-life impact of impaired driving.

A life was lost from a single decision that also left a family and community grieving. With deep sympathy and respect for the victim’s loved ones, we are featuring this case to highlight the importance of accountability, prevention, and making responsible choices.

⚠️ Listener Discretion Advised: This episode includes content that may be difficult to hear and watch, including raw audio and images from the scene and references to injury and loss of life.

Topics Covered:

• Real body worm camera footage from a DUI investigation

• How law enforcement evaluates impairment

• The irreversible consequences of impaired driving

• A message of prevention and remembrance

Show Notes

In this powerful two-part special, Deputy DA Catrina Ranum spoke with ICAC detectives and prosecutors on Safer Internet Day to shed light on the dark reality of online predators. This discussion reveals the critical work being done to protect children from internet crimes and the dangers lurking in digital spaces. Viewer discretion is advised.

• Part One: Covers the case background, including how these investigations start and the strategies law enforcement uses to track down online predators.
• Part Two: Features an in-depth conversation with an officer and prosecutor, giving firsthand insight into the dangers they encounter and the justice they seek for victims.

Episode Highlights

1. Inside ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Investigations – A behind-the-scenes look at how law enforcement officers and prosecutors identify and arrest online predators.
2. Real Conversations, Real Dangers – A preview of actual online chats between undercover agents and predators, revealing the disturbing grooming tactics used.
3. Protecting Our Children – How parents, guardians, and educators can recognize warning signs and take action to keep kids safe in the digital world.

Episode Title: Did You Know? How to Spot & Stop Hate Crimes

Description:
In this episode, we explore the legal distinctions between hate crimes and non-hate crimes, and the complexities involved in proving a hate crime. Our expert guests explain how hate crimes are defined, how intent and motivation play a role, and the impact that a hate crime enhancement can have on sentencing. Additionally, they offer important advice for the public on how to report crimes, stay vigilant, and access support throughout the investigative and legal processes.

Key Highlights:

· Hate Crime vs. Non-Hate Crime: Discover the key difference between hate crimes and regular crimes, with a focus on how intent and motivation influence classification.

· Legal Standards for Hate Crimes: Understand how law enforcement must prove that a person’s characteristics (e.g., race, gender, nationality) were a substantial factor in the crime.

· Sentencing and Enhancements: Compare sentencing for regular robbery versus robbery with a hate crime enhancement, where additional penalties can apply.

· Community Action: Learn why it’s crucial to report crimes quickly and how being aware of your surroundings can help prevent crimes and aid in investigations.

· Support for Victims: Find out about available resources for victims, including language services, victim advocates, and court interpreters to ensure their voices are heard during the legal process.

Key Takeaways:

· Quick reporting of suspicious activities or hate crimes helps law enforcement respond faster and conduct effective investigations.

· Being aware of your environment and avoiding situations where you might be an easy target is essential for personal safety.

· Victims should feel confident in cooperating with law enforcement, knowing that various support systems are in place to assist them through the legal proceedings.

Community Action:
If you or someone you know has experienced a hate crime, report it as soon as possible. Law enforcement is ready to assist, and victim support services, including language and legal resources, are available to help guide you through the process. Stay vigilant and look out for one another in your community.

Podcast Description:
Welcome to the first-ever episode of Off the Record, the official podcast from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office! Hosted by Deputy District Attorney Catrina Ranum, this brand new podcast dives into the inner workings of our justice system and showcases the dedicated professionals working to keep Sacramento safe. In this premiere episode, Catrina is joined by Deputy District Attorney Courtney Martin and Sacramento City Police Department Detective Jason Collins to discuss how prosecutors and law enforcement collaborate to pursue justice and protect the community. Don’t miss this insightful and engaging debut!

More Show Notes

Episode Title:
Inside the Case: Sarah's Story

Description:
In the inaugural episode of Off the Record, the official podcast from the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, host Deputy District Attorney Catrina Ranum sits down with Deputy District Attorney Courtney Martin and Sacramento City Police Department Detective Jason Collins. Together, they discuss the vital partnership between prosecutors and law enforcement, share challenges in pursuing justice, and reflect on what drives their commitment to serve the community. The case discussed features real evidence including a 911 call, video from the assault, and more. This is a part of our Human Trafficking Awareness campaign in partnership with Get Help Sacramento, a tool that provides FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, AND SAFE resources for our community. Visit www.gethelpsac.org to find help near you.

Topics Discussed:

• How prosecutors and police work hand-in-hand to protect Sacramento
• The challenges and triumphs of criminal investigations
• Insights into the day-to-day realities of serving justice
• Ways the community can help protect and prevent this type of crime

Guest Info:

Catrina Ranum – Deputy District Attorney, Host

Courtney Martin – Deputy District Attorney, Guest

More ways to follow us:

https://linktr.ee/saccountyda

Snippet Highlights:

"The Role of a Detective" (5:20-6:10): Detective Jason Collins breaks down the detective’s role in gathering evidence and building a strong case for prosecution.

"The Justice System’s Impact" (12:45-13:30): Deputy District Attorney Catrina Ranum discusses how collaboration between detectives and prosecutors ensures justice is served and strengthens community trust.

Resources:

https://www.sacda.org/in-the-community/community-programs/

https://www.sacda.org/victim-services/

https://gethelpsac.findhelp.com/search/text?term=human+trafficking&postal=95814&language=en

https://www.my-sisters-house.org/getting-help/programs-services/

https://www.weaveinc.org/

https://cashsacramento.org/

Video available on https://youtu.be/OMcB7b9J7M4

Description: Discussion with parents who lost their young daughter to a repeat DUI offender and her sister, who is now a MADD victim advocate. The family shares how their loss has impacted their lives and how MADD has helped them through the years.

Show Notes: Larry and Kathy Harris talk about their 12-year-old daughter, Irene, who was killed by a repeat DUI offender in 1981. They recount the day Irene was killed, the circumstances of what happened, how they found out and how the loss of Irene forever changed their family and lives. They also talk about the court process in 1981 and how they had no voice or rights at that time. Irene’s older sister, Rhonda Campbell, shares her experience with losing Irene and how she witnessed her parents having no power within the criminal justice system.

Deputy District Attorney Courtney Martin outlines the different DUI/DUID charges and potential sentences to highlight how the laws and criminal justice have changed since Irene was killed. The laws and penalties are much harsher, with the possibility of filing murder charges as the DA’s Office has successfully done in many DUI/DUID cases.

Rhonda talks about how her personal experience losing her sister to a DUI offender led her to become a MADD victim advocate. She explains what her role entails, different programs and services MADD offers and how she works with the DA’s Office on prevention efforts. She also shares information about MADD’s annual candlelight vigil and how people can get involved.

Courtney speaks to the different prevention programs the DA’s Office hosts and participates in with partner law enforcement agencies, the Public Defender’s Office, Probation Department, the court and community organizations, including Arrive Alive, CA and MADD.

The emphasis for both MADD’s and DA’s Office prevention efforts is on high school students and teen drivers.

The episode ends with Larry, Kathy and Rhonda asking listeners not to let another family go through what their family has endured and not to drive while impaired and help others not to make that dangerous decision. They encourage people to take a ride-share, taxi or have a sober driver.

RESOURCES:

https://www.sacda.org/in-the-community/community-programs/

https://www.sacda.org/victim-services/

https://www.ots.ca.gov/

https://madd.org/sacramento/

https://www.arrivealiveca.com/