A Wasco cook charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in a fatal Interstate 5 crash is now expected to face trial in December, based on a schedule laid out at a hearing Tuesday.
Judge Michael Terrell set a five-day trial schedule for Martin Enrique Cazares, a 22-year-old from Kern County, who is charged with being under the influence and causing the crash that killed 60-year-old Bulmaro Alvarez Chavez, according to the criminal complaint.
California Highway Patrol officers from the Newhall-area Office arrived at the scene of a rear-end collision north of Templin Highway on I-5, shortly after 9 p.m. on Nov. 8.
Officers testified at Cazares’ preliminary hearing that the defendant hit Alvarez Chavez’s Jeep from behind and the victim was thrown from his vehicle in the crash.
Alvarez Chavez was pronounced dead shortly after first responders arrived on the scene, according to testimony from Cazares’ preliminary hearing.
Cazares had pulled over to the side of the freeway not far from the crash site, according to witness testimony.
Officer Carlos Madera, who was the first to respond to the crash that night, testified that Cazares slurred his speech, had watery eyes, and smelled of alcohol when he was contacted after the crash.
The officer also testified that Cazares admitted to consuming a BeatBox, a premixed alcoholic beverage, and recorded a 0.123 blood-alcohol level when he was tested, based on the transcripts from his hearing in July.
A witness testified to seeing Cazares race past while on cruise control at 75 mph moments before the crash.
An officer’s initial statement indicated speed was suspected as a factor in the collision.
“This tragic crash is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. One person’s reckless decision has cost an innocent life,” said a statement from Lt. M. Munoz, acting commander for the Newhall-area Office. “The CHP Newhall Area remains committed to removing impaired drivers from our roadways and ensuring that families don’t have to experience this kind of heartbreak.”
Chavez, who also went by Jose Bulmaro Alvarez, was a beloved father, according to an online fundraising page created by friends of the family, who are raising support to help them through a difficult time.
Cazares remains free on bond while awaiting trial
The next court date is a trial readiness hearing Dec. 1, with the start of a jury trial scheduled for the next week.
