Daniel Howell was arrested on Wednesday in Joshua Tree for vehicular manslaughter caused by driving under the influence and felony hit and run. While under the influence of inhalants and prescription drugs, Howell drove his Mazda pick-up truck off the road and into a fashion photographer, who was conducting a photo shoot in Joshua Tree. Howell did not stop the car after the accident, however, and kept driving. The photographer, Alberto Jose Serejo, died at the hospital from his injuries. An hour later, Howell got into another traffic accident nearby and was immediately arrested.
Howell should obviously not have driven if he knew he was under the influence of mind altering drugs. Once he veered off the road and hit Serejo, he should have stopped the car and gotten out. Since he kept driving, he will be charged with felony hit and run in addition to vehicular manslaughter which can add more prison time to his sentence. If convicted for both charges, he may face up to 15 years in state prison.
Whether you live in Aliso Viejo, Stanton or La Palma, if you are charged with a DUI or DUI manslaughter, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.
If you want to know more about driving under the influence, DUI manslaughter, or your own charges, call Orange County criminal defense attorney William Weinberg @ 949.474.8008 in his Irvine office.