NAPA, CA – A tragic accident involving a suspected DUI has resulted in the deaths of six individuals in Napa County. On Sunday evening, a minivan veered off Polk Valley Road, crashing into a tree, California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported.
The vehicle, a Toyota Sienna, was found by Napa County Sheriff’s deputies, who confirmed the deaths of the six passengers at the scene. A seventh passenger was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver, identified as 53-year-old Norberto Celerino from Stockton, was also injured and transported to Queen of the Valley Medical Center.
CHP officers who met Celerino at the hospital determined he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Consequently, Celerino was arrested on suspicion of murder and DUI. It was revealed that Celerino has a prior DUI conviction in San Joaquin County and lacks a valid driver’s license, factors that could lead to formal murder charges by the Napa County District Attorney’s office.
This incident marks the third deadly DUI crash in the past six months in Napa County to result in a murder investigation. Recently, similar charges were brought against drivers involved in fatal DUI crashes, highlighting a concerning pattern.
In July, Napa prosecutors charged Aaron Brian Kennedy Alvarez with murder following a DUI crash that claimed the life of his ten-year-old son. Similarly, in March, Yessica Barajas faced murder charges after a DUI incident that killed her two young children.
The persistent issue of DUI in the region has prompted legal experts to emphasize the severe consequences of such actions. Drivers previously convicted of DUI are often warned by judges about the potential for murder charges if they reoffend and cause fatalities.
Legal analyst Michael Cardoza pointed out the deliberate disregard for human life shown by repeat DUI offenders. He stressed that despite being warned of the risks, some drivers continue to endanger others by driving under the influence.
The Napa County District Attorney’s office is currently reviewing the case to determine the appropriate charges against Celerino.