| For Immediate Release Case # 10CF3335 April 6, 2012 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
DRUNKEN DRIVER WITH OPEN BOTTLE OF VODKA CONVICTED OF KILLING WOMAN AND INJURING HER SON
SANTA ANA – A drunken driver with an open bottle of vodka in his car was convicted today of killing a woman and injuring her son. Edward Stanley Butler, 71, San Bernardino, was found guilty by a jury of 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, and driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or more causing bodily injury. He faces a maximum sentence of four years and eight months in state prison at his sentencing May 4, 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 failed to stop or slow as Kaminaga made a legal left turn and crashed into the victim’s vehicle.
When Orange Police officers arrived, Butler was found sitting near his vehicle. He was in possession of an open bottle of vodka in his vehicle and displayed objective signs of intoxication including slurred speech and red and watery eyes. Butler had 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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