CA Man Charged With Murder After Drunken 150 MPH Collision
Photo:Contra Costa DA
India-West News Desk
MARTINEZ, CA– A Pleasanton man has been charged with murder and four felony DUI counts in connection with a high-speed crash that killed a Castro Valley woman in San Ramon, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced.
Badal Devendra Dholaria, 27, was allegedly driving his Tesla at more than 150 miles per hour while intoxicated when it slammed into the rear passenger side of a Ford Bronco on November 29, fatally injuring 41-year-old Alix Mari Sparks. A 40-year-old Castro Valley man in the vehicle also suffered serious injuries. Dholaria was arrested at the scene and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility. He has pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors filed a five-count felony complaint that includes one count of murder, two counts of driving under the influence causing injury, and two counts of driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher causing injury. Each DUI charge carries an enhancement for causing great bodily injury to both victims.
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton, in a statement released by her office, underscored the deadly consequences of impaired driving. “Every DUI-related incident represents a choice — a choice that can kill. If you’re impaired, don’t drive,” Becton said. “Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or illegal drugs, any substance that affects your ability to drive safely makes you a danger on our roads.”
The case remains under investigation by the San Ramon Police Department and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office.
