2 Killed in Car vs. Bus Shelter Fatal DUI Accident
Tragedy struck in the early morning hours when a drunk driver plowed into a bus stopping, instantly killing two homeless men that were sleeping under the shelter of the stop. The fatal DUI accident occurred in Dallas, Texas with a driver who has past charges of driving with a suspended license on his record.
According to the Dallas Star, 50 year-old Julian Cerda lost control of his pickup truck around 2 a.m. when he plowed into the bus stop where his unassuming victims were sleeping. The two unidentified men were both in their thirties, and police believe that they died instantly on impact. Dallas police spokeswoman, Janice Crowther, "Cerda failed to drive in a single lane and was found to be intoxicated when taken into custody by officers."
Cerda will now be facing some serious charges stemming from his fatal DUI: two counts of intoxicated manslaughter with a vehicle. The fact that Cerda was intoxicated in causing the death of the two men will only serve to enhance his punishment should he be found guilty. Why? Because when drunk driving results in the death of another, courts have a strong deterrent and protection incentive in increasing the punishment.
The legal ramifications of a fatal DUI are reaching, and rightfully so. In addition to a heavy prison sentence, those individuals found guilty of intoxicated manslaughter may never be able to drive again, and serve long probations (in addition to drug counseling) when they are finally released from prison. Police have not provided much information in the current Dallas DUI case, but should Cerda's blood alcohol level be exceedingly high, that is also a factor that may serve to enhance his punishment.
Related Resources:
- 2 men killed when drunken driving suspect levels Dallas bus stop (Dallas Morning News)
- DUI (FindLaw)
- Felony Drunk Driving (FindLaw)
- Donte Stallworth Charged with DUI Manslaughter; 'Per Se' DUI and DUI Manslaughter (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Halloween Will Be Scary for Michigan's Hardest Partiers Who Drive Drunk (provided by Willis & Willis, PLC)
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