BANNING, CA (December 7, 2022) – Savaughn Barnes, a 21-year-old motorist accused of fatally hitting Margarito Castro at a San Jacinto intersection, then fleeing the scene, was charged today with gross vehicular manslaughter.
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Savaughn JoJuan Colon Barnes of Hemet was arrested Sunday night following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigation into the death of 31-year-old Margarito Castro of San Jacinto.
Along with the manslaughter count, Barnes was charged with a sentence-enhancing allegation of fleeing the scene of a crime.
He was slated to make his initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon at the Banning Justice Center. The defendant is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail at the nearby Smith Correctional Facility.
According to sheriff’s Sgt. Dawn Blair, about 8 p.m. Sunday, Castro was in the center median, waiting to cross State Street at Dillon Avenue, when Barnes approached, going southbound on State “at a high rate of speed” in his Hyundai sedan.
“The driver of the Hyundai entered the center median … and struck the victim,” Blair said.
She alleged that Barnes didn’t stop.
Witnesses called 911, and fire department paramedics reached the location within a few minutes, pronouncing Margarito Castro dead at the scene.
“A witness came forward and provided the license plate of the suspect vehicle,” Blair said.
She said patrol deputies found Barnes’ car parked outside an apartment building in the 1900 block of Acacia Avenue in Hemet, where the defendant was taken into custody without incident.
He has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.
[via CNS]
Liability In Banning Bicycle Accidents
All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting bicyclists and other pedestrians. According to California Vehicle Code 21200, “A person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and by Division 10.” There are number of common causes of motorcycle accidents including:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Prescription drug use
- Inclement weather
The family of any victim that died in a car accident may be able to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. It is extremely important that evidence is properly preserved and protected after an accident. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Margarito Castro’s Banning Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Margarito Castro. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to police as they continue their investigation. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Banning? Our team of personal injury lawyers are here to answer any questions that you may have. We are committed to making sure that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have questions about the law or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.