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Indian-origin man charged with murder in California crash

The crash killed a 41-year-old woman and injured the SUV’s driver.

Crime scene / Google

An Indian-origin man was charged with second-degree murder after allegedly driving under the influence and causing a high-speed crash in San Ramon, California, that killed a woman.

According to the San Ramon Police Department, 28-year-old Pleasanton resident Badal Dholaria was driving a Tesla at more than 150 mph (over 240 kmph) westbound on Crow Canyon Road on Nov. 29 when it struck the rear passenger side of a Ford Bronco. 

Also Read: Indian student dies in Albany house fire

Police said the Tesla was still traveling at more than 120 mph at the moment of impact.

The collision killed 41-year-old Castro Valley resident Alix Mari Sparks, who was a passenger in the SUV. The 40-year-old male driver was injured and treated at a hospital the same day. His name has not been released.

“Dholaria’s reckless disregard for public safety led to his vehicle striking the rear passenger side of the victim’s Ford Bronco,” the San Ramon Police Department said, calling the crash “entirely preventable” and underscoring the dangers of impaired driving.

Police presented their findings to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office on Dec. 3. Dholaria was charged with one count of second-degree murder and four counts of felony DUI. His bail is set at $1.2 million, and he remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility.

Officials said Dholaria was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the crash. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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