The family of a 21-year-old California woman who was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver heard his not-guilty plea to charges in court this week. The accused has been charged with several counts including Gross Vehicular Manslaughter, DUI Causing great bodily injury, as well as two counts of Felony Child Endangerment.
According to police, last month the accused man was driving his pickup truck with a blood alcohol level of .33 – more than four times the legal limit. The man picked up his two young children from school and continued to drive, prosecutors say under the influence of more than 17 drinks. Neither children were wearing safety belts when he crossed into the center line on Vista Ramona Road and smashed into the victim's car head-on, killing her instantly.
The family of the victim had a difficult time in court, hearing the defense of the man. His attorneys argued that he was a decorated veteran of 21 years of service. The man claims six days before the crash, he went to a VA Hospital in San Diego for help but was turned away. The family says that they are outraged at the defense and find it inexcusable that he not only drove grossly intoxicated and killed their loved one but also critically injured his own children in the accident. According to the prosecutor, if convicted the man faces 18 years in prison. A $2 million bail was set by the judge, and the court will appear again on November 9.
Attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC, are skilled trial lawyers who have obtained verdicts and settlements for clients injured by drunk drivers. Contact Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC, for a free DUI accident consultation.