California parents plead with Gov Newsom to keep daughter's 'maniac' killer behind bars

The parents of a 13-year-old girl who was struck by a suicidal driver in Malibu in 2010 are urging California Gov. Gavin Newsom to prevent the felon from being freed following a parole board’s decision to release him.

Michel and Ellen Shane grieved the loss of their daughter, Emily, in 2010 after Sina Khankhanian engaged in a reckless 17-mile spree on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), dangerously maneuvering through traffic at high speeds before fatally hitting Emily.

Emily, characterized by her parents as a carefree, vivacious adolescent who had a passion for sports and dancing, was walking back from a sleepover when the tragic incident occurred as she made her way to her usual meeting point with her father along the road.

Emily Shane was killed in 2010

Emily Shane was killed in 2010. (Provided by the Shane family)

They say he was off his medication at the time of the incident and therefore can’t be trusted to stay on the pills should he be released. 

Despite their ongoing grief, the Shanes have sought to make some good come out of their loss.

California Governor Gavin Newsom

Michel and Ellen Shane are appealing to California Gov. Gavin Newsom to stop Sina Khankhanian from being released. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images/File)

Michel, who was the executive producer for movies such as “Catch Me If You Can” and “I, Robot,” has become a road safety advocate and made his own documentary to shine a light on the notoriously treacherous 21-mile strip of the PCH – much of which has no sidewalks for pedestrians or lacks substantial embankment – and he is developing a mobile app game to teach young people about driving. 

There were 537 crashes resulting in 779 injuries and 23 fatalities from 2018 through 2023, according to California Department of Transportation data. In 2023, four Pepperdine University students were fatally struck on the PCH as they walked to an event, and their deaths are discussed in the documentary. 

The couple also sought to remember Emily by creating a nonprofit in her name, the Emily Shane Foundation, which provides personalized academic learning and mentoring to middle school students with learning difficulties. 

Ellen said Emily had mild learning difficulties, too, and the initiative is a way of honoring her memory. So far, the nonprofit has helped more than 1,100 students in 14 schools across Los Angeles, and the couple says they are always looking for donations to help fund the program. 

“It’s interesting how a tragedy, probably the worst tragedy, has changed the entire trajectory of my life,” Ellen said, adding that it’s become her “life’s passion.”

“I cannot tell you how incredibly rewarding it is to see these children … be instilled with confidence and motivation, realize that there are no limits to achieving their goals and dreams. That, to me, is so rewarding and significant and a beautiful testimony to Emily. So, it’s interesting how things unfold in life.”

You May Also Like
When Will ‘Bosch: Legacy’ Season 3, Episode 5 Premiere on Prime Video?

What is the Release Date for Season 3, Episode 5 of ‘Bosch: Legacy’ on Prime Video?

What’s better than an all-new episode of Bosch: Legacy? Two new episodes…
Florida special elections cause Republicans to sweat as they try to increase razor-thin majority

Florida special elections make Republicans nervous as they aim to widen their slim majority

Florida voters are participating in elections on Tuesday to select new House…
Florida woman points pellet gun at kids fishing near backyard, threatened to 'blow their heads off': officials

Florida Woman Allegedly Pointed Pellet Gun at Children Fishing Nearby in Backyard and Threatened to Shoot Them: Authorities

A woman in Florida was arrested after she allegedly pointed a pellet…
Reese Witherspoon’s Lookalike Daughter Ava Phillippe Boards ‘Doctor Odyssey’ For Her Acting Debut: See The Photos

Ava Phillippe, daughter of Reese Witherspoon, takes on her first acting role in “Doctor Odyssey” – Check out the pictures

Move over, mom and dad, there’s a new star on the scene……
Ohio State Highway Patrol investigating small plane crash, pilot dead

Investigation into small plane crash by Ohio State Highway Patrol, pilot fatalities reported

Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating after a small plane crashed in…
Glamorous married teacher turns gray as she's arrested for raping boy, 15, while confused husband watches

Elegant married educator arrested for assaulting 15-year-old boy, leaving her husband shocked.

Shocking footage from a police body camera shows the moment a married…
Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, suspect in fatal Madera Walgreens shooting of Erick Velasquez, had 'grudge' against pharmacies: police

Police: Suspect in deadly Madera Walgreens shooting had a personal vendetta against pharmacies

MADERA, Calif. — A man walked into a Walgreens in California and…
Three huge stars turn down hosting gig on TJ and Amy's old GMA3 show amid fears it's CURSED

“Top Celebrities Decline Hosting Opportunity on Former GMA3 Show Due to Superstitions”

Good Morning America’s megastar hosts all turned down the chance to host…
Canada stares down consequences of Trump tariff war: Job losses, grocery price hikes, possible recession

Canada faces challenges from Trump’s tariffs: potential job cuts, higher food prices, and economic downturn

Canada is preparing for the consequences of President Donald Trump’s escalating trade…
Budget-Busting Climate Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act Must Go

Remove Expensive Climate Measures from the Bill to Lower Inflation

By  President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats capitalized on the public’s concern…
Bonnie Blue reveals next eye-watering sex stunt... but it may be physically impossible to achieve

Bonnie Blue shares her latest jaw-dropping sexual feat… but it might be too challenging to actually do

Controversial OnlyFans sensation Bonnie Blue is getting ready to take on her…
Dirt bikes, ATVs driven around World War II memorial in Washington, DC: video

“Watch as Dirt Bikes and ATVs Ride around the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC”

People on dirt bikes and ATVs were seen driving inside the World…