| For Immediate Release Case # 08NF2737
|
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
MOTHER TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR KILLING TODDLER AND BOYFRIEND IN HIGH SPEED CRASH WHILE
UNDER INFLUENCE OF METHAMPHETAMINE
FULLERTON – A mother will be arraigned tomorrow on charges of killing her boyfriend and her baby daughter in a high speed crash after falling asleep at the wheel while under the influence of methamphetamine and losing control of her car. Tomeka Charee Harris, 28, Fullerton, is charged with two felony counts of vehicular manslaughter by unlawful act with gross negligence while intoxicated, one felony count of driving under the influence causing bodily injury, one misdemeanor count of being under the influence of a controlled substance, and sentencing enhancement allegations for causing great bodily injury. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 13 years in state prison. The People will be requesting $250,000 bail. Harris is scheduled for arraignment tomorrow, Friday, Sep. 12, 2008, at 8:30 a.m. in Department N-3, North Justice Center, Fullerton.
At approximately 10:00 a.m. on Jan. 12, 2008, Harris is accused speeding on the westbound on State Route 91 in her Mitsubishi SUV with her boyfriend, 27-year-old Alfred Flores, and her daughter, Zharia Keheian, who was a day away from turning 2 years old. Harris is accused of falling asleep at the wheel and losing control of her car while exiting at the East Street off-ramp at a high rate of speed. She is accused of driving into a fence and crashing into a steel utility pole. Harris’ baby and boyfriend both suffered head trauma from the impact and were killed. Harris is accused of being under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the crash.
Deputy District Attorney Susan Price of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
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