Scotts Valley man sentenced to prison for fatal DUI crash
UPDATE: 8/14/2018 9:37 a.m. A Scotts Valley man was sentenced to six years in prison for crashing his car under the influence of drugs and alcohol, killing his passenger.
According to the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office, Kristofor Benson was speeding to the beach from his Scotts Valley home with Hannah Milkowski when he lost control and collided with a utility pole.
The accident happened around 9:30 a.m. on June 4, 2017.
Milkowski wasn’t wearing her seatbelt and died from her injuries.
The DA’s office said Benson turned down medical help from bystanders and drove recklessly from Scotts Valley, southbound on Highway 17, and onto Highway 1 as he tried to get medical aid for Milkowski. He crashed a second time at the off ramp at Soquel Drive.
At the sentencing hearing, Milkowski’s mother asked the judge to sentence Benson to the maximum possible term.
Assistant District Attorney Alex Byers prosecuted the case and was pleased with the sentence. He said, “The defendant made some very careless decisions that day, and consequently, an innocent life was lost. I am pleased that he will be held fully accountable for his actions in this case, and that he will spend the next several years of his life behind bars.”
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A passenger involved in a major car accident in Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz died Friday night at Valley Medical Center.
The California Highway Patrol identified the 27-year-old passenger as Hannah Marie Milkowski of Arizona.
The accident occurred on June 4. CHP said Kristopher Benson of Scotts Valley was driving his friend and passenger, Milkowski when the two hit a pole.
CHP said Benson was under the influence when he crashed on Bean Creek Road Sunday morning.
The car hit a power pole injuring Milkowski. Benson attempted to drive to the hospital for help.
Benson drove down Highway 17 and then Highway 1 but came to a stop at the Soquel Avenue off ramp. Milkowski was taken to a hospital once help arrived.
Benson was arrested for felony DUI that day and later went on bail.
Since Benson’s release Milkowski tragically died and an arrest warrant for gross vehicle manslaughter while intoxicated was issued for Kris Benson. CHP said it’s an unfortunate reminder to not drink and drive.
According to Milkowski’s Facebook page she was visiting the area to learn how to surf with Benson.
