Press Release: People v. Moreno, Brandon, 6/29/09

June 29, 2009

Bradford R. Fenocchio

District Attorney

PLACER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

10810 Justice Center Drive, Suite 240
Roseville, California 95678

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Date: June 29, 2009

Contact:

Art Campos

Public Information Officer

916-543-8076

Scott Owens

Acting Assistant District Attorney

916-543-8000

ROSEVILLE MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN DUI DEATH OF PASSENGER IN HIS VEHICLE

A 20-year-old Roseville man has pleaded guilty to three felony charges in connection with the drunken driving death of a passenger in his vehicle.

Brandon Moreno entered the plea June 24 before Placer County Superior Court Judge Larry D. Gaddis, who scheduled sentencing for September 17.

Deputy District Attorney Kyle Jibson said the matter has been referred to the Placer County Probation Office for recommendation of a sentence, which could range from probation to a maximum of seven years in state prison.

Moreno was the driver of a vehicle carrying three passengers on Foothills Boulevard in Roseville during the early morning hours of December 20, 2008.

The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree, killing passenger Brandon Keith, 20, of Roseville, and injuring another passenger, Joseph Castillon. The fourth occupant was not injured, Jibson said.

Moreno was charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence causing injury and DUI with a blood alcohol level of.08 or higher and causing injury.

He also admitted to a special allegation of causing great bodily injury to Castillon.