On January 21, 2010, a Tulare County juror found defendant Salvador Leon, 38 of Porterville, guilty of two counts of second degree murder, two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and two counts of driving under the influence causing great bodily to the surviving victim. The trial was heard by the Honorable Judge Joseph Kalashian. Sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2010 in Department 5 of the Visalia Courthouse.

On February 2, 2009 at approximately 2:20 a.m. after leaving a bar in the Earlimart area, the defendant Salvador Leon entered Highway 99 heading northbound in the southbound lanes. The defendant drove over five miles while having a blood alcohol level of .25, 3 times over the legal limit. Numerous drivers attempted to stop the defendant by flashing their lights at him and honking their horns. At least one other driver had to swerve out of the defendant’s way in order to avoid an accident. Eventually, Defendant Salvador Leon collided head on into another vehicle, seriously injuring the 22-year-old female driver and killing her 23-year-old husband and seven-month-old baby boy. The victim’s family was from the Camarillo area and traveling home after visiting relatives. The defendant had four prior DUI convictions from San Diego County prior to this incident.

The jury trial began on January 4, 2010. Today, after approximately 2½ hours of deliberation, the jury found the defendant guilty as charged. The defendant is expected to receive a sentence of over 30 years to life in State Prison. This case was investigated by CHP Officer Alexis Mantilla and prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Todd Zocchi.

Contact Person: Shani Jenkins, Assistant District Attorney (559) 733-6411.