RIVERSIDE, CA (December 21, 2022) – Byron Saucedo, an unlicensed motorist who killed Mikela Lang, a 33-year-old motorcyclist, while driving under the influence at a Moreno Valley intersection, is slated to be sentenced next month to 10 years in state prison.
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Byron Alexa Cifuentes Saucedo, 24, pleaded guilty Tuesday to DUI gross vehicular manslaughter and a sentence-enhancing allegation of fleeing the scene of a crime. Under Saucedo’s plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, prosecutors agreed to drop a misdemeanor charge of being an unlicensed operator of a motor vehicle in exchange for his other admissions.
Superior Court Judge Charles Koosed is expected to certify the terms of the plea deal during a sentencing hearing on Jan. 26 at the Riverside Hall of Justice. The upper term of imprisonment for the manslaughter conviction with the enhancement is 10 years.
The defendant is free on his own recognizance.
He caused the collision that fatally injured Mikela Lang of Moreno Valley on July 19.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Saucedo was driving his 2010 Nissan Altima eastbound on Filaree Avenue at about 6:40 p.m. when the traffic signal at the intersection of Filaree and Perris Avenue turned red.
Sgt. Robert Grmusha said the defendant failed to stop for the red light and entered the intersection just as Lang drove through it — on a green light — going southbound on Perris aboard her 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650.
“The Kawasaki motorcycle collided with the Nissan’s driver side, causing the rider to be ejected forward from the motorcycle,” Grmusha said.
Saucedo bailed out of his sedan and attempted to run away but was stopped by witnesses, who physically restrained him until patrol deputies arrived, according to the sergeant.
Paramedics reached the location within 10 minutes and pronounced Lang dead at the scene.
Grmusha said the ensuing investigation revealed Saucedo was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
He has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.
[via CNS]
Liability In Moreno Valley DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Mikela Lang’s Death
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mikela Lang. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Moreno Valley? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.