DUI Driver Convicted In Murrieta Dad's Death Gets 6 Years In Prison

MURRIETA, CA — A DUI driver whose actions left a young Murrieta father dead was sentenced Wednesday to six years in state prison.

In an August plea deal, Shelly Dawn Schaaf, 57, pleaded guilty to causing injury while driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and she also admitted a sentencing enhancement of causing great bodily injury.

In exchange for her pleas, prosecutors dropped a second-degree murder charge against her.

This week's sentencing ends a two-and-a-half-year legal saga for the family of Brandon Colletti. The 29-year-old married father of four went out for a Sunday, March 7, 2021, motorcycle ride and never returned home. Instead, he died at a local hospital less than a half hour after a fiery midday crash involving Schaaf's SUV at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Alexandra Drive in Murrieta.

Schaaf was arrested and charged in the case, but a few days later posted $90,000 bail and was released from custody. Riverside County court records show she has a history of domestic violence convictions and was on probation at the time of the fatal crash.

In the days following the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was established for Colletti's widow and children. It reads, "Brandon was a father to 4 babies and had a wife he loved dearly. His entire universe revolved around his children just 7, 4 and 1 year old twins. His daughters 4th birthday was the day following his passing. Brandon had his entire life ahead of him and had huge plans for their family.

"Some things in life will never make sense no matter how hard we try to process them."