Woman Fatally Struck and Killed by DUI Driver in Murrieta

Gloria Henry, 71, was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while walking along a Murrieta sidewalk.

According to a City News Service report, the fatal pedestrian collision occurred on the morning of Wednesday, March 23, on Clinton Keith Road just east of Via Mariposa. Murrieta police arrested 57-year-old Rodney Wayne Phillips of Hemet on suspicion of drunk driving.

Fatal Murrieta DUI Crash

Police said investigators talked to witnesses who said Phillips drove onto the sidewalk and struck Henry. He then fled the scene of the crash, officials said. Henry was transported to an area hospital, where she died from her injuries. Police officers searched the area and found Phillips’ pickup three blocks away with him still in it. Phillips was arrested and booked on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and hit-and-run, resulting in injury.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Gloria Henry for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Justice for Victims and Families

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver, Phillips, was under the influence and struck and killed the victim, who was walking legally on the sidewalk. He then fled the accident scene without offering the victim any aid. Under California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a), it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated. It is also illegal to leave the scene of an injury accident without stopping or rendering aid to the victim.

California Vehicle Code 20001 (a) states: “The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to a person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of a person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.”

In such cases, in addition to facing criminal charges, the suspect can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages, and losses he caused. Families of deceased accident victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering, and loss of love, care, and companionship. An experienced Riverside County DUI victims’ lawyer will be able to help families in such cases pursue justice and fair compensation for all their losses.

 

Source: https://www.pe.com/2022/03/25/woman-71-struck-killed-by-suspected-intoxicated-driver-in-murrieta/