Drunk Driver Who Killed Angels Rookie Charged with Murder
April 11, 2009
Los Angeles - Prosecutors have filed three counts of murder against Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, who is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol which resulted to the death of Angels rookie Nick Adenhart, 22, and two of his friends.
Orange County district attorney Tony Rackauckas said prosecutors decided to charge the suspect with murder case instead of vehicular manslaughter as he was “doing a dangerous act” which killed three people and injured another.
According to police, the suspect hit the car that Adenhart was riding, killing him instantly, and the driver, Courtney Frances Stewart, 20, and a companion, Henry Pearson, 25. Meanwhile, Jon Wilhite, 24, who is also a passenger of the car, survived the accident and was immediately brought to the hospital.
When authorities nabbed Gallo, they found out that the suspect’s blood has a high-alcohol content which is three times more than the legal limit of .08.
Police said the collision happened when Gallo beat the red light in Orangethorpe Avenue and Lemon Street intersection and hit the car’s victims.
Investigators also said that Gallo is traveling at a speed of 50 to 65 miles per hour, a dangerous rate as the speed limit in the area is only 35 miles per hour.
According to police report, Gallo tried to escape on foot but was immediately arrested along 91 Freeway.
Prior to the accident, Gallo’s driver’s license has been suspended after he was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol.