Suspected DUI Driver Causes Diamond Bar Crash That Kills Six

Six people were killed in a Los Angeles County car crash, which officials say, involved a suspected drunk driver who had a prior DUI conviction and only a week ago got restrictions on her driver’s license lifted.

According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, Olivia Culbreath, 21, has been accused of causing a multi-vehicle crash on the 60 Freeway in Diamond Bar that left six people dead.

Officials say Culbreath drove her red Chevy Camaro east on the westbound 60 Freeway at about 100 mph early morning on February 9, 2014, and struck a red Ford Explorer, which then crashed into a third vehicle.

Several people were ejected from the vehicles.  Culbreath and Joel Cortez, the driver of third vehicle, survived the crash. Culbreath was arrested on suspicion of DUI causing great bodily injury and manslaughter.

The deceased victims in the Ford Explorer were identified as Gregorio Mejia-Martinez, 47; Leticia Ibarra, 42; Jessica Jasmine Mejia, 20; and Ester Delgado, 80. The other two victims were in Culbreath’s car, her 24-year-old sister Maya and friend, Kristin Melissa Young, 21.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all the deceased victims. I offer my deepest condolences to all.

California Drunk Driving Laws

Based on this news report, it appears that this is not the first time Olivia Culbreath has gotten behind the wheel while under the influence. In fact, she just got back her license after her prior DUI conviction.

Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a). A driver whose act of driving under the influence results in the death of another will likely face vehicular manslaughter charges.

California Penal Code section 191.5 (a) states:

“Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is the unlawful killing of a human being without malice aforethought, in the driving of a vehicle, where the driving was in violation of Section 23140, 23152, or 23153 of the Vehicle Code, and the killing was either the proximate result of the commission of an unlawful act, not amounting to a felony, and with gross negligence, or the proximate result of the commission of a lawful act that might produce death, in an unlawful manner, and with gross negligence.”

Becoming a Responsible Driver

Driving is not a right, but it is a privilege and with privilege comes responsibility. Drinking and driving is not only a crime, but it is also irresponsible.

If you have been drinking, please do not drive. If you know that someone has been drinking, do not allow them to drive you. If your guest is inebriated, take the keys away and do not let him or her drive. If you have been drinking, take the many safe alternatives that are available. Take a cab or remain at your host’s location until you are sober.

Remember, your life and the lives of others are at stake here.