Two Teens Dead By Alleged DUI Driver

While a DUI alone may just be a misdemeanor charge, combined with vehicular manslaughter, a person could find themselves facing at least one felony. A felony DUI conviction can result in a minimum of one year in prison and fines of up to tens of thousands of dollars. In addition, a felony conviction automatically revokes a person’s right to bear arms as well as to vote. A sentence for a felony DUI may include parole as well as probation. The Merced Sun-Star reports on a woman facing DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges in an accident that claimed the lives of two teen boys.

21-year-old Sabrina Distura was driving a 2015 Honda on Interstate 5 near Highway 165 on Monday when she crossed over the center median. She crashed into a Nissan being driven by 17-year-old Tyler Nielson, a Nevada Union High School Senior.

In the vehicle with Nielson was 16-year-old Justin Gardner, a sophomore. Both were on their way to Pismo beach for Spring Break.

Nielson was killed at the scene of the accident. Gardner was transported to Doctors Hospital in Modesto where he succumbed to his injuries.

A second passenger, 16-year-old junior Dawson Fay, suffered a broken hip along with other serious injuries. He is expected to survive.

The three boys were teammates on the Nevada Union High School varsity football team. Fay and Nielson had been playing football together since they were seven years old.

Distura complained of back and leg pain and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. She was then arrested under suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

 

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