A 23-year-old man was found guilty of murder for the DUI hit-and-run car accident, which killed Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others on April 9, 2009. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, Andrew Thomas Gallo was found guilty of three counts of second-degree murder, felony DUI and felony hit-and-run. He now faces a sentence of 55 years to life in prison. Also killed in this tragic crash were Courtney Stewart, a Calstate Fullerton student and Henry Pearson, 25, a law school student. 24-year-old Jon Wilhite survived the accident, but with serious injuries.
Prior DUI Convictions and Suspended License
Prosecutors said Gallo, prior to this incident, was convicted twice for DUI. In fact, he was still on probation and did not even have a valid license at the time this fatal crash occurred. His blood alcohol content two hours after the car accident was 0.19 percent, more than twice the legal limit in California. Not only did Gallo drive under the influence, but he also fled the scene of the DUI collision, leaving four critically injured people at the scene. Testimony during the trial indicated that Gallo and his passenger had been drinking heavily right before the crash.
My heart goes out to the families of Adenhart, Stewart and Pearson. The families say they are satisfied with the jury verdict. But the emotional injury due to such an irreparable loss is, unfortunately, permanent for these families. They will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Putting Hit-and-Run Drivers on Notice
Personally, I'm pleased that the jury found the driver guilty not only of drunk driving and murder, but also hit-and-run. Cases like this one will continue to remind drivers, who contemplate leaving the scene of an accident, about the consequences. When they are apprehended, they will be brought to justice. They will go to prison. And a felony charge cannot be easily expunged from one's criminal record.
This case highlights some of the reasons for hit-and-run accidents that occur in California and elsewhere. Currently, 7.8 percent of fatal car accidents in California are the result of hit-and-run, according to CHP's statistics. The major contributing factors leading to the rise of hit-and-run car accidents include drunk driving, drivers operating with a suspended license or without a valid license, possession of drugs, a stolen vehicle or some other issue that might expose criminal activity. Gallo was definitely very drunk at the time. He had a suspended license. And to him those were good enough reasons to leave his dying victims behind and take off.
Gallo's story should be an example for other young people and other drivers who believe they can get away with drinking and driving or committing a hit-and-run. It should make every driver think before leaving the scene. Our web site, www.hitandrunreward.com, was born from our outrage toward hit-and-run drivers. We were touched by hundreds of incidents over the last few years and Nick Adenhart's case was definitely one of them. We offer $1,000 rewards for tips about hit-and-run drivers that leads to an arrest and felony conviction of the suspect. Together with your help, we can fight to eradicate hit-and-run car accidents in California and put such drivers on notice.
What are some of the ideas you have for reducing or eradicating hit-and-run car accidents?
The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.
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