| For Immediate Release Case # 09SF0970
October 19, 2009 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
DRUNKEN DRIVER TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR
KILLING MOTORIST IN 100 MPH TOLL ROAD CRASH
NEWPORT BEACH – A drunken driver will be arraigned today for killing another motorist by crashing into the victim’s car while speeding over 100 mph on the toll road. Richard Ernest Caselli, 37, Ladera Ranch, is charged with one felony count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in state prison if convicted. The People will be requesting $100,000 bail at Caselli’s arraignment today, Oct. 19, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. in Department H-2, Harbor Justice Center, Newport Beach.
At approximately 6:25 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2009, Caselli is accused of speeding over 100 mph on State Route 73 in his Volvo sedan. The defendant is accused of being under the influence of alcohol as he drove at a high rate of speed just north of Laguna Canyon Road. Caselli is accused of losing control of his car and crashing into a Nissan sport utility vehicle driven by 52-year-old Brook Boynton. The force of the crash caused the victim’s car to spin out of control and roll, ejecting Boynton onto the right shoulder. The victim was killed as a result of his injuries.
Caselli’s vehicle also came to a stop. When contacted by police at the scene, Caselli is accused of displaying objective signs of intoxication including bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, and omitting an odor of alcohol.
Deputy District Attorney Jason Baez of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
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