Just after 5 p.m. on September 5, police reported a two-car crash on the westbound side of Highway 166. Police arrested 36-year-old Jerald B. Holman at the scene of the accident for suspected DUI.
Holman, who was driving at high speeds at the time of the accident, drifted into the eastbound lane, overcorrected into the westbound lane and then swerved back to the eastbound lane hitting a Chevrolet. The impact catapulted Holman’s Toyota into the air, where it rolled and split the rear passenger compartment from the front of the car ejecting and killing Holman’s two children ages 4 and 7.
On September 9, Holman faced the judge to hear the charges of the double fatal crash. District Attorney Dan Dow stated the prosecution would be filing eight counts of felony complaint against Holman. Police reports give an account of him being behind the wheel at the time of the crash.
Holman is charged with:
- Second Degree Murder – for the death of his two children who were passengers in the car.
- 2 Counts of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated.
If Holman is convicted of the charges listed above, he could face life in prison.
Have you been charged with DUI?
If you have been charged with DUI in the Santa Barbara or surrounding areas, it is imperative you contact an experienced Santa Barbara DUI attorney from Appel & Morse today. Depending on the details of your case, you could face heavy fines and long prison sentences. When you retain an attorney from Appel & Morse, you’re backed by over thirty years of combined legal experience, including experience as a deputy district attorney. Our experience as a former prosecutor gives us an advantage as we understand strategies the prosecution might take.
Start building your case today. Contact our Santa Barbara criminal defense lawyer today.