Vehicular Homicide Prosecutions
1. United States v. John Slattery (1999 – Massachusetts)
Facts:
John Slattery, a 28-year-old driver, was intoxicated and driving 30 mph over the speed limit when he struck and killed two pedestrians crossing a street in Boston. The toxicology report revealed a high blood alcohol content (BAC of 0.16%).
Prosecution:
He was charged under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90, Section 24G, which covers motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of alcohol. Federal prosecutors also assisted under 18 U.S.C. § 13 (Assimilative Crimes Act) since the crash occurred near a federal installation.
Outcome:
Convicted of vehicular homicide, sentenced to 10 years in state prison, and had his driver’s license permanently revoked.
Significance:
This case reinforced that drunk driving fatalities constitute homicide, even if the driver had no intent to kill.
2. State v. Robert Blake (2005 – Florida)
Facts:
Blake was drag racing at 90 mph in a 45 mph zone when he lost control and collided with another vehicle, killing a mother and her child.
Prosecution:
Charged with Vehicular Homicide (Fla. Stat. § 782.071) and Reckless Driving Resulting in Death (Fla. Stat. § 316.192).
Outcome:
The jury found Blake guilty of two counts of vehicular homicide, and he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Significance:
The case established that reckless racing behavior without alcohol or drugs can still amount to vehicular homicide.
3. People v. Gross (2010 – California)
Facts:
Gross was texting while driving on a California freeway and rear-ended a stopped vehicle, killing one occupant instantly.
Prosecution:
Charged under California Penal Code § 192(c) – Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence. Prosecutors presented phone records showing Gross was texting seconds before the crash.
Outcome:
Convicted of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, sentenced to 4 years in state prison.
Significance:
Landmark in defining texting while driving as sufficient evidence of “gross negligence” for vehicular homicide prosecutions.
4. State v. Rene Garza (2013 – Texas)
Facts:
Garza drove through a red light while intoxicated, killing a young couple. His BAC was 0.19%, and he had multiple prior DUI convictions.
Prosecution:
Charged with Intoxication Manslaughter (Texas Penal Code § 49.08) — a specific type of vehicular homicide under Texas law.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to 25 years in state prison due to his repeat-offender status.
Significance:
This case underscored that repeat DUI offenders face enhanced penalties for vehicular homicide.
5. State v. Caitlyn Rabe (2016 – Colorado)
Facts:
Rabe was driving under the influence of marijuana and prescription medication when she crossed the median and hit another vehicle head-on, killing a teenager.
Prosecution:
Charged under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-3-106, defining Vehicular Homicide while Driving Under the Influence.
Outcome:
Convicted of vehicular homicide, sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Significance:
One of the first major cases where drug-impaired driving (not alcohol) led to a vehicular homicide conviction in Colorado after marijuana legalization.
6. State v. Marcus Lee (2019 – Georgia)
Facts:
Marcus Lee fled from police at high speed, ran a red light, and killed a bystander in another vehicle.
Prosecution:
Charged with Vehicular Homicide (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-393), Fleeing and Attempting to Elude Police, and Reckless Driving.
Outcome:
Found guilty and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Significance:
Set precedent that vehicular homicide applies when a driver causes a death during flight from law enforcement, even without intent.
7. United States v. Bruce Fields (2021 – Federal Court, Arizona)
Facts:
Fields, a federal employee, drove drunk in a federal park area and killed a park ranger.
Prosecution:
Charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1112 (Involuntary Manslaughter) and 18 U.S.C. § 13 (Assimilative Crimes Act) for vehicular homicide within federal jurisdiction.
Outcome:
Convicted and sentenced to 8 years in federal prison.
Significance:
Reinforced that federal courts can prosecute vehicular homicides occurring on government or federal lands.
⚖️ Key Legal Takeaways
Federal and State Statutes Commonly Used:
18 U.S.C. § 1112: Involuntary Manslaughter (federal vehicular homicide equivalent).
18 U.S.C. § 13: Assimilative Crimes Act (applies state vehicular homicide law to federal lands).
State Statutes: Such as California Penal Code § 192(c), Texas Penal Code § 49.08, and Florida Statute § 782.071.
Core Legal Elements of Vehicular Homicide:
Defendant operated a motor vehicle.
Acted with gross negligence or recklessness.
Conduct directly caused another person’s death.
The act involved drugs, alcohol, distraction, or reckless disregard for safety.
Common Fact Patterns in Prosecutions:
Drunk or drug-impaired driving.
Excessive speeding or racing.
Texting or using a phone while driving.
Fleeing from police.
Operating a vehicle with known safety defects.
Typical Sentences:
4–10 years for first-time offenders (simple negligence).
10–25 years or more for aggravated cases (DUI, multiple deaths, prior convictions).
License revocation, fines, restitution, and often mandatory treatment programs.
Broader Impact:
Courts consistently treat vehicular homicide as a serious felony, not a mere traffic accident.
Increasingly, texting and drug impairment are treated as equivalent to alcohol intoxication.
Repeat DUI offenders face enhanced penalties and mandatory minimum sentences.
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