Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
"Accidents"

Driver Convicted of Manslaughter Sues Parents of Slain Teen

Matthew Kenney  Photo: Associated Press courtesy of Joanne Kenney via GRIST
Matthew Kenney Photo: Associated Press courtesy of Joanne Kenney via GRIST

There's callous, there's heartless, and then there's this.

Via former Streetsblog.net writer Sarah Goodyear, now at GRIST, comes the surreal story of a driver who was convicted of manslaughter for running down Matthew Kenney from behind.  From his jail cell, David Weaving, who has been found guilty of drunk driving four times and was traveling at 83 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone at the time, is suing the Kenney's parents for negligence because their son was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

Goodyear, quoting an article in the Sacramento Bee, reports:

Attorney Andrew Cates calls Weaving's countersuit a part of the legal process. Cates is representing Weaving in appeals aimed at overturning his convictions -- which were recently upheld by the state Appellate Court -- but is not involved with the lawsuit involving the Kenneys.

"I can see their side of it. I'm a parent," Cates said. "But I can also see the other side of it. If you're driving down the street and your car makes contact with a pedestrian and you think it's the pedestrian's fault, you have to raise the issue."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Eyes on the Path: L.A. City Adding New Access Points to Chandler Path

New accessible ramp under construction at Strohm Avenue

February 10, 2026

This Week In Livable Streets

Alissa Walker, Florence bus lanes, Baldwin Park Greenway opening, ESFV rail, Santa Monica first/last mile connections, and more

February 10, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines

ICE, L.A. council candidates, East Hollywood TOD, Long Beach, Santa Monica, Westwood, car-nage, and more

February 10, 2026

Councilmember Yaroslavsky Calls for Urgent City Response to Westwood Driver Killing Three People

Councilmember Park also responds to killing of Playa del Rey cyclist, calls to "to re-assess the area for... improvements."

February 9, 2026

Monday’s Headlines

Raman enters race for mayor, ICE, Olympics, Monterey Park, Burbank, San Marino, Torrance, car-nage, and more

February 9, 2026

Santa Monica/West L.A. Leaders Urge Caltrans to Build “Ohio to Ohio” Bike Link With Santa Monica Boulevard Rehab

While Westside officials are pushing Caltrans to add some needed bike infrastructure, their logic contradicts the City of L.A.'s efforts to dodge implementing Measure HLA.

February 6, 2026
See all posts