The tragic death of 13-year-old Emily Shane in 2010 continues to haunt her parents, Michel and Ellen, as they grapple with the impending release of the man responsible for her death. Sina Khankhanian, now 41, was convicted of second-degree murder after a reckless 17-mile drive along the Pacific Coast Highway culminated in him striking and killing Emily as she walked to meet her father. Khankhanian’s defense argued that his autism impaired his judgment, but the Shanes maintain that his actions were intentional and fueled by suicidal ideation following job loss. They vividly recall the harrowing day, with Michel witnessing Khankhanian’s erratic driving just moments before the fatal collision. The trauma of discovering their daughter’s lifeless body and hearing eyewitness accounts of Khankhanian’s callous indifference has left an indelible scar on the family.
The Shanes’ anguish is compounded by Khankhanian’s repeated attempts to secure parole. Despite Governor Newsom reversing a previous parole board decision in 2023, the board again granted Khankhanian parole in October 2024. The Shanes vehemently oppose his release, arguing that he remains a danger to society and has shown no genuine remorse for his actions. They point to inconsistencies in his behavior, contrasting his apparent catatonia in court with his seemingly normal interactions with his girlfriend in recorded prison conversations. This, they argue, suggests a calculated manipulation of his autism diagnosis to “game the system.”
The legal arguments surrounding Khankhanian’s case are complex. His former attorney, Bradley Brunon, maintains that Khankhanian’s autism prevented him from fully understanding the consequences of his actions and that a charge of vehicular manslaughter would have been more appropriate. Brunon believes that Khankhanian’s time served is sufficient punishment. The Shanes, however, remain unconvinced, emphasizing Khankhanian’s lack of remorse and the intentional nature of his reckless driving. They believe he should serve a longer sentence and that releasing him now, at a relatively young age, would be a grave injustice.
The Shanes’ fight against Khankhanian’s release has become an annual ordeal, forcing them to relive the trauma of Emily’s death each time he becomes eligible for parole. This emotional burden is further intensified by the knowledge that even if Newsom intervenes, Khankhanian will likely continue to seek parole every year. The Shanes express their profound frustration with this cyclical process, which they feel prevents them from truly grieving and moving forward. Michel emphasizes their desire for a longer sentence, arguing that if released, Khankhanian should serve a significant portion of his life behind bars, reflecting the gravity of his crime.
Beyond their personal struggle, the Shanes have channeled their grief into advocacy and remembrance. Michel has become a road safety advocate, producing a documentary highlighting the dangers of the Pacific Coast Highway, particularly the 21-mile stretch where Emily was killed. He is also developing an educational mobile app game to teach young people about safe driving practices. The couple also established the Emily Shane Foundation, a non-profit organization providing academic support and mentoring to middle school students with learning difficulties, a tribute to Emily’s own struggles.
Despite their profound loss, the Shanes have found a measure of solace in honoring Emily’s memory through their advocacy work and philanthropic endeavors. Ellen reflects on how this tragedy has transformed their lives, emphasizing the rewarding nature of helping other children achieve their potential through the foundation. While the pain of Emily’s absence will forever endure, they have found a purpose in striving to create positive change in her name. Their current focus remains on appealing to Governor Newsom to intervene in Khankhanian’s parole case, hoping to prevent the release of a man they believe poses a continuing threat to society.
