Dui Manslaughter Prosecutions
1. State of Florida v. John Goodman (2014, Florida)
Facts: John Goodman, a wealthy businessman, ran a stop sign while driving under the influence, striking another vehicle and killing 23-year-old Scott Wilson. Goodman’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.177, more than twice the legal limit.
Charges: DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and leaving the scene of an accident.
Prosecution Argument: Prosecutors showed that Goodman consumed multiple alcoholic drinks, ignored traffic signs, and fled the scene after the crash. Crash reconstruction experts testified that the victim’s car was pushed into a canal, where Wilson drowned.
Outcome: Convicted, sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Significance: Highlighted that wealth or social status offers no immunity, and even indirect causation (victim drowning after crash) counts as manslaughter.
2. People v. Andrew Gallo (2010, California)
Facts: Gallo, driving drunk and at high speed on the wrong side of the road, crashed head-on into another vehicle, killing Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others. His BAC was 0.19.
Charges: Second-degree murder (implied malice), gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and DUI causing injury.
Prosecution Argument: Since Gallo had a prior DUI and was warned about the dangers of drunk driving, prosecutors argued he acted with implied malice—knowing the risk but disregarding it.
Outcome: Convicted of second-degree murder, sentenced to 51 years to life in prison.
Significance: Established that repeat DUI offenders can be charged with murder, not just manslaughter.
3. State v. Lindsay Lohan (2007, California)
Facts: Actress Lindsay Lohan was involved in two separate DUI incidents, one resulting in a fatal crash where another driver was killed.
Charges: DUI manslaughter, cocaine possession, and reckless driving.
Prosecution Argument: Lohan had a BAC above the legal limit, and evidence showed her vehicle crossed lanes, leading to the fatal impact.
Outcome: Convicted on reduced charges under a plea agreement, sentenced to 90 days in jail and mandatory rehab.
Significance: Showed leniency in celebrity DUI cases and public criticism over light sentencing in fatal intoxicated driving incidents.
4. State v. Heather Cook (2015, Maryland)
Facts: Heather Cook, an Episcopal bishop, was driving drunk while texting when she struck and killed bicyclist Thomas Palermo. Her BAC was 0.27.
Charges: Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, and DUI.
Prosecution Argument: Cook’s BAC, cellphone records, and hit-and-run behavior demonstrated gross negligence and disregard for human life.
Outcome: Convicted, sentenced to 7 years in state prison.
Significance: Illustrates gross negligence and moral responsibility of public figures in DUI manslaughter cases.
5. State v. Kaitlyn Ferrante & Marisa Catronio (Florida, 2015 — “Wrong-Way Crash Case”)
Facts: Wrong-way driver Kayla Mendoza, age 21, drove drunk on the Sawgrass Expressway, colliding head-on and killing two young women, Kaitlyn Ferrante and Marisa Catronio. Mendoza’s BAC was 0.15.
Charges: DUI manslaughter (two counts).
Prosecution Argument: Mendoza tweeted “2 drunk 2 care” hours before the crash; prosecutors used that as proof of willful recklessness.
Outcome: Convicted, sentenced to 24 years in prison.
Significance: Social media evidence was central to establishing intent and awareness of intoxication.
6. State v. Rene Gonzalez (2021, Texas)
Facts: Gonzalez was driving intoxicated, crashed into another vehicle at high speed, killing a 9-year-old passenger. His BAC was 0.18.
Charges: Intoxication manslaughter, aggravated assault, and child endangerment.
Prosecution Argument: Dashcam footage and forensic blood tests showed reckless behavior. He had prior DUI convictions, which enhanced penalties.
Outcome: Convicted, sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Significance: Emphasized repeat-offender punishment and enhanced sentencing when minors are killed.
7. People v. Charles “Chip” Thomas (2019, Illinois)
Facts: Thomas drove drunk after leaving a bar and struck a pedestrian crossing legally at a crosswalk.
Charges: DUI manslaughter and reckless homicide.
Prosecution Argument: Toxicology reports and eyewitnesses established intoxication and negligence.
Outcome: Convicted, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
Significance: Reinforced civilian pedestrian protection and strengthened calls for mandatory minimum DUI manslaughter sentences.
Key Legal and Procedural Takeaways
Degrees of Charges:
DUI Manslaughter (reckless killing while intoxicated)
Vehicular Homicide (lesser negligence)
Second-Degree Murder (if prior DUIs or implied malice proven).
Evidence Used:
BAC tests, crash reconstruction, eyewitness testimony, digital data (social media/texts), and surveillance footage.
Sentences:
Range from 7 years to life imprisonment, depending on aggravating factors (prior DUIs, fleeing scene, multiple deaths).
Victim Impact Statements:
Critical in sentencing, often influencing courts toward maximum penalties.
Public Policy Impact:
Led to stricter DUI laws nationwide, such as mandatory ignition interlock devices and enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.
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