California, USA: An Indian-origin man, 28-year-old Badal Dholaria, has been formally charged with second-degree murder along with several felony DUI-related offences after a high-speed crash in California claimed the life of 41-year-old Alix Mari Sparks. According to a report by Pleasanton Patch, Dholaria was allegedly intoxicated and driving his Tesla at over 150 mph when it slammed into the rear passenger side of a Ford Bronco on November 29. Sparks was seated in the vehicle but was not the driver at the time of the collision.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office stated that Dholaria will face one count of second-degree murder and four additional felony DUI charges. These include two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, causing injury and two counts of driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher, each causing injury. Prosecutors have also added enhancements for inflicting great bodily harm on both the victim who died and another passenger, a 40-year-old man from Castro Valley.

Authorities arrested Dholaria at the crash site and transported him to the Martinez Detention Facility, initially booking him on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. He has entered a not guilty plea.

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton emphasized the seriousness of impaired driving, stating, “Every DUI incident stems from a choice — a choice that can end lives. If you are not sober, do not drive. Whenever someone gets behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance, they are risking the safety of everyone on the road.”

A witness at the scene described the crash as traumatic, noting that Dholaria appeared largely unharmed. The witness said the Tesla driver attempted to unbuckle the victim’s wife, but bystanders intervened, reminding him that accident victims should not be moved unless they can move on their own. According to the witness, “The man responsible had no cuts or scratches, just a bruise.”