LAS VEGAS — A woman is facing serious charges after allegedly running over her boyfriend, resulting in his death, triggered by the discovery of another woman’s tampons in the trash, as per documents obtained by KLAS.
Julie Bush, 30, now faces a charge of open murder, court records confirm. Initially, Bush was charged with DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm, domestic battery, attempted murder, and drug possession following her arrest on Friday, May 24.
Reports indicate that on that afternoon, a witness contacted the police, alleging that Bush deliberately ran over a man with a car near Oakey Boulevard and Eastern Avenue in the east valley. Subsequently, the witness claimed to have seen Bush “leaning over [the man] crying hysterically” after the incident.
The man, identified as Richard Penardo, Jr., 51, was transported to the hospital in critical condition and later succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. This tragic outcome led to the upgraded charge of open murder.
During police questioning, Bush stated that she found another woman’s tampons in the trash, which sparked an argument with Penardo. The situation escalated, with Penardo allegedly damaging Bush’s vehicle with a steel chain. Bush purportedly responded by accelerating the car, striking Penardo and causing him to collide with a brick wall.
Police found methamphetamine and fentanyl inside the car, and Bush reportedly admitted to consuming fentanyl before the incident.
Video evidence obtained by the police allegedly shows Bush attempting to hit Penardo with her car, with Penardo retaliating by hitting the vehicle with a chain. The footage depicts the fatal collision between Bush’s car and Penardo, followed by her reversing the vehicle.
During Bush’s initial court appearance, Judge Daniel Westmeyer denied bail due to the seriousness of the charges. Her attorney requested a postponement, citing medical reasons for Bush’s absence.
Further details about the ownership of the tampons were not disclosed by the police. However, Bush claimed they did not belong to her.
Penardo had a history of criminal convictions, including forgery, accessory to felony, conspiracy to commit murder, and insurance fraud.
Bush’s scheduled initial appearance is set for Wednesday morning, with no booking photo available at the time of reporting.
