Arturo Munoz Faces Murder Charges for Fatal Bakersfield Crash

Driver Had Prior DUI Convictions Before Crash on Planz Road

Bakersfield, Calif. (March 4, 2024) — A suspected DUI driver, Arturo Munoz is facing double murder charges after a second woman died following a crash on Planz Road in south Bakersfield, KGET reports.

The Bakersfield Police Department reported the collision at around 11:08 p.m. on Feb. 9th, 2024, between Hughes Lane and South H Street, according to Bakersfield Now.

Officials report the suspect was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV when it broadsided a white Chevrolet Malibu sedan occupied several women.

Paramedics responded and rushed three seriously injured adult females from the white sedan to a hospital, but the driver of the car Hortencia Garcia De Haro, 30, died at the scene. A few days later, passenger, Vanessa Lasarit Madrigal, died at the hospital.

Meanwhile, police determined the man driving the SUV, identified as 26-year-old Arturo Munoz, was driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The motorist was taken to Kern County Jail and booked on DUI charges. He allegedly has three prior convictions over the past six years.

He now faces two counts each of second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, police said.

Investigators continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Johnson Attorneys Group does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Furthermore, Johnson Attorneys Group hopes this news information is timely and helpful. Additionally, if you would like to contribute any information, add a GoFundMe page or have legal questions, please call 1-(855) 703-4186 as soon as possible. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).