California state law defines vehicular manslaughter as driving a vehicle while committing an unlawful act that does not amount to a felony and with gross negligence or driving a vehicle in the commission of a lawful act that might produce death. If a person drives while intoxicated and is in an accident that claims a life, they may be charged with vehicular manslaughter. The charge itself is what is called a wobbler and can be charged either as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. CBS Local San Francisco reports on a DUI accident where the driver may face charges of vehicular manslaughter.
A horrific crash in Bay Point claimed one life and injured three others in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 22nd.
A Chevy Camaro driver was exceeding the speed limit when the vehicle drifted into oncoming traffic along Port Chicago Highway and crashed head-on with a Dodge Ram truck.
The crash drove the two vehicles into a nearby yard where a tree stump tore both vehicles into pieces. The yard was the home of Mark Martin who rushed to deliver aid before first responders arrived.
Despite initial reports that two people were killed in the accident, only the passenger in the Camaro was killed at the scene. The driver of the Camaro and both the driver and passenger in the truck were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
Raul Morena Ochoa Jr. was identified as the driver of the Camaro. He was arrested at the hospital on suspicion of driving under the influence. He may also face charges of vehicular homicide.
