RIVERSIDE, California – A convicted felon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Friday after causing a fatal crash on Interstate 15 in Corona. Jorge Anival Gomez Augustin, 31, admitted to the charge as part of a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. The plea deal was announced during a status hearing before Superior Court Judge Gary Polk, who scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 17 at the Riverside Hall of Justice. The agreement stipulates a sentence of 15 years to life in state prison for Augustin, who is currently held without bail at the Robert Presley Jail.
The incident occurred on February 12, 2022, when Augustin, driving under the influence, collided with a Honda CRV driven by 44-year-old Tommy Chu on northbound I-15 at Weirick Road. The impact caused both vehicles to veer off the freeway, down an embankment, and across the off-ramp lanes before coming to a stop near the exit ramp. Chu was pronounced dead at the scene by Corona Fire Department paramedics. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Augustin was driving a Mercedes-Benz E-350 at an unknown speed when he rear-ended Chu’s vehicle. Following the crash, CHP officers administered a field sobriety test and determined that Augustin was intoxicated. He was subsequently taken into custody without incident. Court records also show that Augustin has a prior conviction for importation and possession of a sawed-off shotgun.
The guilty plea to second-degree murder marks a significant step in the legal proceedings against Augustin, who now faces the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence. The tragic consequences of his actions have left a family mourning the loss of a loved one and a community grappling with the impact of impaired driving. The sentencing hearing in May will provide an opportunity for Chu’s family and friends to share their victim impact statements and for the court to impose a just punishment for Augustin’s reckless behavior.
As the case moves forward, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and the devastating consequences that can result from such irresponsible choices. The hope is that the outcome of this case will send a strong message that impaired driving will not be tolerated, and that those who engage in such behavior will be held accountable for the harm they cause.