Retrial in La Jolla Drunken Driving Crash Results in Mistrial
A retrial of a DUI crash that allegedly killed a woman near La Jolla’s University Town Center ends in mistrial.
The retrial of Poway resident John Sedej, 47, ends in a deadlock as the jury foreman told Judge Melinda Lasater, on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and two counts of driving under the influence.
This was the second mistrial in the defendant’s case which resulted 8-4 in favor of guilt. The first trial deadlocked 11-1 on the manslaughter charge, according to San Diego DUI attorney.
The DUI crash happened at 1:20 a.m.on July 13, 2007 at the intersection of La Jolla Village Drive and Genesee Avenue when Sedej allegedly ran a red light while speeding and crashed into a 2000 Ford Expedition killing Nancy Galeana-Ramirez, 28, and injuring the victim’s mother and aunt who were both riding in the backseat of the Expedition.
Sedej’s blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit, measuring at .19 percent, according to prosecuting attorney Jorge Jaramillo. If convicted he could be facing up to 13 years in prison.
“We believe the physical evidence and the light timing evidence proves Mr. Sedej did not speed or run a red light,” said DUI defense attorney Colin Murray.
Driving Under the Influence in San Diego County
In California it is unlawful for any person who has a 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his blood to drive a vehicle. If you operate a vehicle while driving under the influence or DUI and are apprehended you are sure to face a fine as well as jail time if you are convicted.
Mistrial Declared In La Jolla DUI Crash Retrial, 10News.com, June 5, 2009
Web Related Resouces
If you have been arrested and charged with driving under the influence in San Diego, trust your DUI case to an experienced San Diego DUI lawyer. Victor A. Orsatti at the San Diego Law Center will review your case during a free consultation.
