After two deadlocked trials, a third jury convicted John Michael Sedej, 47, of Poway, of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated for a July 13, 2007 crash. The fatal accident occurred at 1:20 a.m. at La Jolla Village Drive and Genesee Avenue. Nancy Galeana-Ramirez, 28, died in the crash. Her mother and aunt were also injured. Sedej was driving an Acura SUV when he ran a red light and collided with a 2000 Ford Expedition carrying Galeana-Ramirez and her mother and aunt.
The verdict was read October 29, after which Sedej was taken into custody. Judge Melinda Lasater will be sentencing him today - he faces up to 12 years in prison. Sedej was also convicted of DUI causing injury and driving with a measurable blood-alcohol level causing injury.
After two deadlocked juries in previous trials, it must be of some relief for the family that justice is finally being served. This trial is one of many reminders of the potentially deadly consequences of drinking and driving. The holiday season is one of the deadliest times of the year for alcohol-related accidents. According to MADD, more than 1,000 people die each year between Thanksgiving and New Years in alcohol-related accidents. Estey & Bomberger would like to remind everyone: if you drink, don't drive. No matter how little you think you have had.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a DUI accident in San Diego, and would like more information about your legal rights to compensation in a civil suit, contact the San Diego personal injury attorneys at Estey & Bomberger for a free consultation.
Leave a comment