| For Immediate Release Case # 13WF0663
March 25, 2013 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami
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DRIVER UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGED WITH KILLING MAN IN CRASH BY CAUSING RV TO FALL ON VICTIM
WESTMINSTER – A driver under the influence of methamphetamine has been charged with killing a man, who was working underneath a recreational vehicle (RV), by crashing into the RV and causing it to fall on top of the victim. Marco Vinicio Morales, 50, Fountain Valley, is charged with one felony count of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and one misdemeanor count of driving on a suspended license. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of four years in state prison. The People will be requesting Morales be held on $100,000 bail at his arraignment tomorrow, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. in Department W-1, West Justice Center, Westminster.
At approximately 7:15 a.m. on Oct. 1, 2012, Morales is accused of driving in an industrial area in Fountain Valley to work as an automobile mechanic in a truck belonging to a customer. The defendant is accused of being under the influence of methamphetamine.
Victim Timothy Michaud, 49, was working underneath an RV, which was parked on the side of the road and elevated on blocks. Due to its size, the RV was protruding slightly into the road. Morales is accused of failing to avoid the RV and crashing into it, causing it to fall onto the victim. Morales remained at the scene and attempted with other witnesses to free the victim using a hydraulic jack, but the victim was crushed by the RV and died at the scene.
The Fountain Valley Police Department responded to the scene and investigated this case. The defendant’s blood was examined by the Orange County Crime Laboratory. At the time of the crime, Morales is accused of being under the influence of a high quantity of methamphetamine.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Troy Pino of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
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