BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A Kern County jury has found defendant Jesus Rodriguez guilty of second degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and fleeing the scene of a fatal crash in June 2017.
According to officials, In 2017, CHP responded to a collision on the 184 in Lamont where a vehicle had stuck and killed a victim, David Rico and fled the scene. Officers followed a trail of vehicle fluid and located Rodriguez passed out in his car.
Rodriguez had a blood alcohol level of .25%, which is over three times the legal limit.
Prior to the deadly collision, Rodriguez had suffered four previous DUI convictions, his last being four months prior to the fatal.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2019 where Rodriguez faces 15 years to life in prison.
“Driving under the influence deaths are a significant and growing problem in Kern County," District Attorney, Cynthia Zimmer said. "These deaths are completely preventable, and the District Attorney’s Office is committed to bring to justice intoxicated drivers who victimize the innocent on our roadways.”
