As San Francisco DA, Harris Turned Illegal Immigrant Loose Who Then Killed Young Student

A decision by then-San Francisco DA Kamala Harris to release an unlicensed driver from custody ended in tragedy months later when that same driver killed a young law student, sparking criticism over her handling of the case.

An illegal immigrant released from custody by then-San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris went on to kill a young law student months later, according to a report by the Washington Free Beacon. In June 2010, Harris’s office dropped charges against Roberto Galo after he was arrested for driving without a license and driving the wrong way down a one-way street. Just months later, in November 2010, Galo struck and killed 25-year-old law student Drew Rosenberg while making a left-hand turn at a yellow light. Galo reportedly drove over Rosenberg’s body multiple times in an attempt to flee the scene.

Drew Rosenberg's father, Don Rosenberg, criticized Harris’s decision, stating, “My son is dead because the DA did not believe (and continues to not believe) that driving without a license is a big deal.” At the time, Harris’s office had a policy of not prosecuting unlicensed drivers, a stance influenced by activists who argued such laws unfairly targeted illegal immigrants.

Initially, Galo was charged with vehicular homicide, but a judge later reduced the charge to misdemeanor homicide. The Rosenberg family was not informed about the court hearing where the charges were downgraded, and Harris's office initially declined to appeal the reduced charges. Although Harris’s office eventually filed an appeal, it was submitted to the wrong court and subsequently rejected. Galo was sentenced to six months in prison but was released after just 43 days, with the Rosenberg family again left uninformed.

Harris, now Vice President, has promoted her record as a prosecutor in her political campaigns. However, Don Rosenberg, a former Harris supporter, was disappointed by her actions and the lack of accountability. He reached out to Harris after she became California Attorney General, but his requests for a meeting were declined.