A 17-year-old driver who was behind the wheel when four teenage friends died in a fiery California crash reportedly told one victim’s mother at the scene: “My mom’s going to kill me… I wrecked the car.”

Elsa Laremont Stranczek was seeking to avoid prosecution through a mental-health diversion program, but a Marin County judge denied the request Monday.

The decision means Stranczek will face prosecution in juvenile court for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. She could face up to a year in juvenile detention if convicted.

The crash happened in April 2025 after Stranczek and four friends were traveling to a sleepover. Investigators said she lost control of a Volkswagen Tiguan on San Geronimo Valley Road and slammed into a redwood tree. The SUV erupted in flames.

Ada Kepley, Olive Koren, Sienna Katz and Josalyn “Josy” Osborn were killed. Marley Barclay was the only passenger to survive.

Josy’s mother, Christie Batanides, described the devastating moment she arrived at the scene and realized her daughter was trapped inside the burning vehicle.

Stranczek, who suffered severe burns and says she does not remember the crash, told the court she has mourned her friends every day.

Investigators estimated the SUV was traveling around 60–65 mph in a 40 mph zone, although the vehicle’s black box was destroyed in the fire. Stranczek has also claimed she saw headlights from what she believed was an oncoming vehicle shortly before the crash, but investigators could not substantiate that claim.

The judge called the case “one of the saddest and most difficult cases” he had encountered in 37 years of practicing law.

Stranczek is expected back in court later this month.

Source: NY Post