Suspected DUI Driver from Halloween Night Crash Charged with Murder
20-year-old Carlos Navarro admitted to driving under the influence on Halloween night when he killed a young family. Navarro confessed to drinking four to five shots of Jack Daniels before getting into his 2002 Toyota Sequoia and driving off to attend another party. Navarro has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of vehicular manslaughter for the deaths of 30-year-old Joseph Awaida, his 32-year-old wife Raihan Dakhil and their son, Omar.
Navarro’s lawyer, Bryan Shroeder, mentioned the suspect’s blood-alcohol level measured at .11%, more than .10% over the legal limit for anyone under 21.
Shroeder is arguing that since Navarro is under 21, he is inexperienced with alcohol. He also claims the liquor store gave him a bottle of Jack Daniel’s for free.
If Navarro is acquitted for the murder charges, he could still face a potential indictment for vehicular manslaughter, which carries a 10 years sentence. If convicted of all six charges he could face a combined sentence of 45 years in prison.
The victims’ families are pleased the justice system is taking action but know that no amount of justice will bring back their loved ones.
Navarro was driving southbound on Country Club Drive and failed to make a turn. Instead, he drove onto the sidewalk and hit the family as they were walking home after a night of trick-or-treating.
By: Alejandra Salgado