NBC Los Angeles reports on a motorcyclist who was ejected and then struck by a motorist in a suspected DUI accident.
On Sunday, March 18, a motorcyclist was killed during an accident that authorities believe was DUI-related.
Emery Becker was driving his 2014 Triumph motorcycle at about 2 a.m. on the 5 Freeway. He was heading southbound in Elysian Valley when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver. Becker was ejected from his motorcycle.
After hitting the pavement, Becker stood up and was hit by another motorist. Alexandra Silva had been traveling behind Becker when the original accident occurred. She was driving a 2016 Toyota.
Other motorists pulled over to help but Becker was pronounced dead at the scene.
Silva was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. Authorities are still investigating the crash.
In California, vehicular manslaughter can be charged in one of two ways. The first is normal vehicular manslaughter and the other is DUI vehicular manslaughter. The first can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, at the discretion of the prosecutor. If convicted of the misdemeanor, a person faces up to a year in county jail and up to $1,000 in fines.
If convicted of the felony, the penalty is up to six years in state prison and up to a $10,000 fine. If a person is charged with DUI vehicular manslaughter, also known as vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, they may also be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony.
