Today, April 22, 2010, the Honorable Judge Joseph Kalashian sentenced 38-year-old Salvador Leon, of Porterville, to 35 years to Life in State Prison. The defendant was convicted by a jury on January 21, 2010 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 defendant was sentenced to the maximum amount of time in prison allowed by law.

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.
Approximately 30 members of the victims’ family were present in court for the sentencing. Many gave impact statements to the court about the murder of their loved ones and the effect it has had upon their lives.

This case was investigated by CHP Officer Alexis Mantilla and prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney
Todd Zocchi.
 

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