RIVERSIDE, CA (November 17, 2022) – Multi-convicted DUI offender Scott Bales is accused of killing an off-duty Riverside County sheriff’s deputy and his 19-year-old daughter in a DUI wreck north of San Jacinto, and was charged today with two counts of second-degree murder.
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Scott Brandon Bales, 47, of Moreno Valley was arrested Sunday following the collision that claimed the lives of sheriff’s Corporal Daniel Jacks Jr., 45, and his daughter, Hannah Jacks, both of San Jacinto.
Along with the murder counts, Bales is charged with DUI resulting in great bodily injury and a sentence-enhancing great bodily injury allegation.
The defendant is recovering from his injuries in the sheriff’s infirmary operated by the Riverside University Health System in Moreno Valley.
He was not medically cleared to make a scheduled court appearance at the Banning Justice Center Thursday. Superior Court Judge Mark Singerton postponed Bales’ arraignment to Nov. 28.
The defendant is being held on $2 million bail.
In a statement released Monday, the sheriff’s department expressed its collective sadness over the two deaths, noting that Jacks had been a deputy for 14 years.
“Corporal Jacks began his service with the department on Sept. 2, 2008,” the agency said. “After graduating the (sheriff’s) academy, he was assigned to the Indio Jail. In May 2014, he was transferred to the Palm Desert Station and the following year transferred back to the Indio Jail.”
Jacks attained the rank of corporal in March.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
According to CHP Officer Jason Montez, the collision happened just after 9 p.m. Sunday on Gilman Springs Road just east of Bridge Street.
Montez said that Bales was at the wheel of a Chevrolet Silverado with a front-seat passenger going westbound on Gilman Springs when Jacks’ Honda Insight approached from the opposite direction on the two-lane corridor, where there is no barrier forming a center median, only double yellow lines.
Montez alleged that Bales’ pickup “crossed over the divided highway and traveled into the eastbound traffic lane.”
The Chevy slammed head-on into the Honda, after which both vehicles came to a stop in lanes, according to the CHP spokesman.
County fire paramedics arrived a short time later and pronounced Jacks and his daughter dead at the scene.
Bales and his passenger, identified by the CHP only as a 45-year-old Moreno Valley man, were taken to the county medical center for treatment of major injuries.
“Bales was determined to be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the crash,” Montez said.
According to court records, the defendant has three prior DUI convictions — in 2009, 2011 and 2015. The last one was a felony conviction.
Under California law, a convicted DUI offender who is aware of the risks of drinking and driving and who causes someone’s death because of it can be charged with murder.
[via CNS]
Liability In Riverside County 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 A Scott Bales’ DUI Murder
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of of Daniel Jacks and Hannah Jacks, and we hope that they can find peace during this incredibly difficult time.
Do you need more information about a car accident that took place in Riverside County? 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.