In California, Penal Code 191.5(a), known as Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated is one of the more serious charges a driver can face. In legal terms, manslaughter means that a person’s actions or behavior caused another person’s death. It does not mean that the person meant to kill the person, hence why it isn’t murder.
To be convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, the prosecutor must prove that the driver drove while under the influence. They must also prove that while driving under the influence the driver broke another law that could lead to death or acted lawfully in a way that could lead to death. They must then prove that the driver acted with reckless disregard of safety. They must also prove that these actions led to the person’s death.
My News LA reports that a man has pleaded no contest in a pedestrian’s death in Pasadena.
41-year-old Higinio Arceo pleaded no contest to charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated with a special allegation of hit-and-run.
The charges stem from an October 6, 2019 crash that killed 31-year-old Anthony Miller, who was visiting from Shoreline, Minnesota.
Arceo was driving a gray pickup truck west on Colorado Boulevard between Madison and El Molino Avenues. At about 3:15 a.m., he struck Miller as he was crossing the street. Arceo then fled the scene.
Police discovered the vehicle in an underground parking garage a short time later. When Arceo returned to the vehicle he was arrested.
Arceo is due back in court on August 17, where he is expected to be sentenced to a fifteen-year prison term.