BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man pleaded no contest Tuesday to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in a crash authorities said occurred after he drove drunk and ran a red light.
Two other charges were dismissed against Christian Valencia-Madrigal under the terms of the plea agreement, records show. He faces six years in prison at his March 8 sentencing, prosecutors said.
Valencia-Madrigal, 25, told police he drank three micheladas and felt groggy so he used cocaine early May 13 to give him a boost before getting behind the wheel, according to court documents. He said he had been drinking with friends at El Chilito on Brundage Lane to celebrate his birthday.
Around 12:30 a.m., according to reports, a BMW driven by Valencia-Madrigal reached speeds a witness estimated between 90 to 100 mph before it ran a red light and hit a Toyota Camry at the intersection of White and Hughes lanes.
David Cortez, 39, the Camry’s driver, was pronounced dead at the scene. Valencia-Madrigal suffered a broken leg and cuts to his forehead, the reports say.
