FRESNO, Calif. — A 27-year-old man faces a murder charge after a crash last week resulted in the death of a 17-year-old driver. Daniel Lemus was involved in two collisions early on November 7 that were reportedly influenced by alcohol, according to prosecutors from the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.
Shortly after 1 a.m., Lemus struck a vehicle that had stopped for a red light on Manning Avenue, neglecting to stop at the scene. He continued driving for approximately two miles before colliding with a Ford Mustang at the intersection of South Mendocino and East Rose Avenue. The Mustang was driven by Christian Crabb, whose injuries led to his hospitalization. Crabb succumbed to his injuries three days later.
Authorities determined that Lemus had a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0.15 percent, significantly above the legal limit. Following the investigation by the California Highway Patrol, he was arrested on November 25 and is currently in custody.
This incident marks a particularly troubling chapter for Lemus, who has a history of alcohol-related offenses. In 2019, he was charged with vehicular manslaughter in another fatal crash that involved an 8-year-old child in Reedley.
If convicted of the murder charge, Lemus could face a substantial prison sentence ranging from 15 years to life. His arraignment is scheduled for December 1, where the legal proceedings are expected to take shape.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, advocates for road safety are emphasizing the need for stricter measures against impaired driving. The Fresno County District Attorney’s office is prosecuting the case as part of its vertical prosecution program focused on drug and alcohol-impaired drivers, aiming to ensure accountability for those who recklessly endanger others.