Man found guilty of Salinas vehicular manslaughter after fourth DUI conviction
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) UPDATE AUGUST 25, 2022 at 3:35 p.m.- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced that a man was convicted of for a DUI crash that killed a motorcyclist on March 21, 2022.
Angel Castro Castro, 37, was convicted of Second Degree Murder, Vehicular Manslaughter, DUI causing injury and leaving the scene of an accident.
This incident occurred at the intersection of East Blanco Road and South Main Street at 3:30 p.m. when Castro rear-ended a car. This crash caused minor injuries to both vehicles and Castro fled the scene immediately, said Pacioni.
While driving away westbound on West Blanco Road just west of Alisal Street, Castro made a sudden U-turn right into the path of an oncoming motorcycle rider.
Manuel Garcia, 67, couldn't react and crashed into the passenger side of Castro’s vehicle, said Pacioni. Castro did not stop to render aid and drove off southbound on dirt roads through strawberry fields.
Garcia was pronounced dead on the scene by first responders.
Castro's car was found 20 minutes after the crash near the intersection of Foster Road and South Davis Road. He was then detained 100 yards away from his vehicle, said Pacioni.
"After conducting a series of field sobriety tests, police determined that Castro was under the
influence of alcohol. A subsequent breath test showed that he had a blood alcohol level of .08," said Pacioni.
Castro had three previous convictions from 2008, 2010 and 2018. The judge warned him each time that operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol is inherently dangerous to human life and if continued to do it and killed someone he could be charged with murder.
Castro faces up to 20 years to life in prison at his sentencing on Sept. 27.
Suspect in deadly Blanco Road crash charged with murder, victim identified
UPDATE MARCH 22, 2022 at 12:06 p.m.- A suspect and victim in a deadly motorcycle crash Monday on Blanco Road have been identified.
Angel Castro, 35, has been arrested and charged into Monterey County Jail for charges of murder, hit and run causing death or injury, DUI causing bodily injury and gross vehicular manslaughter, according to CHP.
CHP said the murder charge was added due to Castro having a prior DUI charge.
His bail is set at $1,095,000.
The motorcyclist who was killed has been identified as Manuel Garcia, 66, the cause of death will be released after an autopsy is performed Wednesday said the Monterey County Coroner's Office.
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UPDATE MARCH 21, 2022 at 5:55 p.m.-- Blanco Road between South Davis Street and West Alisal Street remains closed after a motorcyclist was hit and killed at around 3:30 p.m. Monday.
A tow truck remains on the scene, as well as the Salinas Fire Department.
ORIGINAL STORY
Our reporter on the scene says eastbound traffic is blocked off on Blanco Road near West Alisal Street due to a deadly motorcycle crash.
According to CHP, a car traveling west on Blanco Road made a Uturn hit a motorcyclist and drove off.
There were reports of the driver of the car maneuvering recklessly.
CHP said they were able to find the driver of the vehicle and detain them at a separate location.
This is an ongoing story and more details will be released as they become available.
