Alleged Hit & Run DUI Motorist Released After Fatal Crash

KTVA News reports that a motorist linked to a fatal hit-and-run crash along Pacific Coast Highway last week is now out of jail on a $100,000 bond.

According to a news release from the Ventura County Attorney General’s Office, charges have been filed against 46-year-old Keith David McDowell-Satyananda of Los Angeles for his role in a crash near Mugu Rock on December 21.

Investigators with the California Highway Patrol say that the crash happened at approximately 11:20 p.m. when two people were standing next to their vehicle that was parked several feet off the roadway near Point Mugu were struck by a 2021 Mazda SUV being driven by McDowell-Satyananda. The CHP alleges that the defendant continued driving northbound into Oxnard, making no attempt to render aid. 

One of the pedestrians, a 22-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene, while her 30-year-old male companion suffered major injuries. He was rushed to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment.

A CHP officer spotted the defendant on Wooley Road and Rice Avenue in Oxnard. McDowell-Satyananda was pulled over and arrested.

McDowell-Satyananda faces the charges of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated, Fleeing the Scene of an Accident Causing Death, DUI of Alcohol Causing Injury, and Driving with a Blood Alcohol Level Greater than .08 Percent Causing Injury.

McDowell-Satyananda has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges against him.

A judge set McDowell-Satyananda’s bail at $100,00 with additional restrictions, including that he not drive, not use alcohol or drugs, and that he wear an alcohol monitoring device that automatically tests the wearer’s BAC every 30 minutes and sends the information back to authorities.

McDowell-Satyananda posted bond and is due to appear in court on February 8, 2023.

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