| For Immediate Release Case # 10CF3335 April 2, 2012 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718Farrah Emami Spokesperson Office: 714-347-8405 Cell: 714-323-4486
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DRUNKEN DRIVER FACES TRIAL FOR KILLING WOMAN AND INJURING HER SON
SANTA ANA – A drunken driver with an open bottle of vodka in his car faces trial for killing a woman and injuring her son. Edward Stanley Butler, 71, San Bernardino, is charged with one felony count each of vehicular manslaughter by lawful act that might cause death without gross negligence while intoxicated, driving under the influence causing bodily injury, driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or more causing bodily injury, and a sentencing enhancement for causing great bodily injury. He faces a maximum sentence of seven years and eight in state prison if convicted. Opening statements are expected to begin today, Monday, April 2, 2012, in Department C-34, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.
At approximately 5:00 p.m. on Sept. 8, 2010, victim Tamiko Kaminaga, 60, was driving with her 17-year-old son Jorge Maresch out of a parking lot in Orange. Butler is accused of failing to stop or slow as Kaminaga made a legal left turn and crashing into the victim’s vehicle.
When Orange Police officers arrived, Butler is accused of being found sitting near his vehicle. He is accused of displaying objective signs of intoxication including slurred speech and red and watery eyes. Butler is accused of possessing an open bottle of vodka in his vehicle and having a blood alcohol level of .22 percent.
Kaminaga was transported to Western Medical Center and died a short time later due to blunt force trauma. Maresch suffered a broken nose and facial lacerations.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Alison Gyves is prosecuting this case.
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