Apparent DUI Claims Three Lives in Oklahoma City

Shortly before 11:30 p.m. last night, a silver Acura t-boned a yellow Chevy Cobalt at the intersection of South Rockwell and West Reno in Oklahoma City.The collision proved fatal for the three occupants of the Cobalt, a man, woman, and small child. The driver of the Acura, identified as Demetrius JerrodPrice, 22, was arrested on multiple complaints, including DUI, driving without a license, and manslaughter.

Jail records show that Price was arrested on two complaints of manslaughter after the woman died at the scene and the man died after being transportedto the hospital. The child, identified only as a 22-month-old girl, underwent emergency surgery at the hospital, but succumbed to her injuries. Thesuspect will likely face a third charge of first degree manslaughter in the toddler's death.

In addition to the DUI and manslaughter charges he faces, Price currently has a felony drug case pending in Oklahoma County District Court. He is chargedwith possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. Additionally, the DUI suspect has several deferred sentences for misdemeanors and feloniesdating back to 2012:

• Breaking and entering and obstructing an officer (2 years deferred)
• False declaration of ownership to a pawnbroker (10 years deferred)
• Second degree burglary (10 years deferred)

He also has a prior conviction for operating a motor vehicle without a license.

First degree manslaughter is defined in 21 O.S. � 711 as an unintentionalhomicide that occurs under one of three conditions:

• When perpetrated without a design to effect death by a person while engaged in the commission of a misdemeanor.
• When perpetrated without a design to effect death, and in a heat of passion, but in a cruel and unusual manner, or by means of a dangerous weapon; unless it is committed under such circumstances as constitute excusable or justifiable homicide.
• When perpetrated unnecessarily either while resisting an attempt by the person killed to commit a crime, or after such attempt shall have failed.

Because DUI is typically a misdemeanor, a fatal DUI accident fits the first definition of first degree manslaughter. A driver causing a fatal DUIaccident would generally be charged with one count of first degree manslaughter for each person who died in the accident.

Even though an impaired driver has no intention to cause the death of another person, he or she is considered to have known the risks of engagingin such behavior and to have intentionally engaged in behavior that jeopardized the well-being or lives of others. Under these circumstances, the penaltiesfor first degree manslaughter are severe. Under Oklahoma law, first degree manslaughter is punishable by "not less than four (4) years"in prison.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is indeed a risky endeavor. An impaired driver who causes a fatal accident must face not only thecriminal penalties associated with DUI manslaughter, but also the guilt of having caused the deaths of one or more people and inflicting tremendousgrief upon the family and friends of the deceased. If given the chance, almost every person who causes a serious or fatal DUI accident would go backand change things to avoid such heartache. Unfortunately, there are no do-overs in this case.