DA will not speculate on whether charges will include murder or
vehicular manslaughter until reviewing police report
Morgan Hill – An investigation into an accident on Watsonville Road that killed former Gilroy resident and Happy Dog chef Alex Jara is underway, according to CHP Officer Chris Armstrong.
“This investigation may take a little time,” Armstrong said. “Once the information is compiled, it will be closely reviewed by the sergeant. An average case, it might take 10 days; with this one, a fatality, it could take up to 30 days.”
Alex Jara, 34, of Morgan Hill was pronounced dead at the scene of the 12:30am Wednesday accident. Osbaldo Esquivel, III, 33, of Watsonville was driving the Corvette Jara was riding in when it left the roadway and crashed into a tree.
Esquivel, who was still in critical condition Thursday afternoon, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The arresting officer made an arrest based on evidence at the scene, CHP Officer Kevin Alexander said. They are waiting for the blood alcohol content results.
“The arrest was based on objective signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication,” Alexander said.
“We still will want to interview the driver, and it’s likely to be a while before we can do that,” Armstrong said. “We’re working with the District Attorney to determine what charges might be appropriate.”
He would not speculate if the charges could include manslaughter or murder.
Assistant District Attorney David Tomkins said Thursday that he could not say, without having reviewed the case, if Esquivel would be charged with manslaughter because he was allegedly driving while drunk.
“The way it works is that the police will gather their information, interview those involved, and reduce all of that to a report,” Tomkins said. “We decide what crime, if any, there is described in that report. What is often confusing to people is when people are booked under certain charges, it’s assumed they will be charged … The decision is ours, based on our expertise and a review of the report presented by the police.”
A Rosary will be held at 6pm Sunday at Mehis Funeral Home in Watsonville. Visitation will be from 1 to 9pm.
A funeral mass will be held at 9:30am at Assumption Church in Watsonville on Monday.
