Anaheim resident, A.S., has been charged with killing three women after hitting them with his car. He was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol when the incident occurred. Around 11:00 on February 9, the victims were reportedly walking home from a baby shower when they decided to cross at Western and Del Monte. There was no marked crosswalk at this spot, but the prosecutors say that it doesn't matter since pedestrians are allowed to cross in an unmarked intersection and they have the right of way.
Witnesses say that the area is well lit, so A.S. should have seen the women walking across the street, even at night. According to the Orange County District Attorney's office, the women were all related to each other, a mother, daughter, and cousin. The daughter, who was 21, had recently gotten engaged to her boyfriend of five years. Family and friends held a memorial service for them earlier this week at the site of the crash.
The police who were investigating the scene of the crime report that the man was driving with BAC levels of 0.17 percent, and barely even slowed down before he hit the women, who all died on impact. He has been charged with three felony counts of manslaughter, one felony count of DUI, one felony count of driving with a BAC level higher than the legal limit and causing bodily injury.
According to court documents, A.S. pled guilty to a drug crime in 1997, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. He spent 90 days in jail for this conviction. Four years later, he allegedly violated his probation so he spent another 16 months in prison. A.S. was being held on $500,000 bail, but his attorney got it lowered to $300,000 after arguing that his former cases should not be considered because of their age.
If you have been charged with DUI vehicular manslaughter, then please get in touch with Orange County criminal defense lawyer Jacqueline Goodman so that she can help you fight for justice! Call (714) 266-3945 today or complete the free case evaluation form online.