Josh Klinghoffer is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow in a California courthouse for a car accident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian.
Klinghoffer is facing a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. The arraignment and plea are set for 8:30 a.m. PT at the Alhambra, California, Courthouse.
Court records show that on March 18, Klinghoffer was driving a GMC Yukon in Alhambra, California, when the car struck and killed a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Video footage shows the SUV making a left turn and hitting the pedestrian. The driver briefly stopped to check on the victim before returning to the vehicle.
The lawsuit claims that the victim, 47-year-old Israel Sanchez, died hours later from severe head injuries after being dragged by Klinghoffer’s car.
Attorneys representing Ashley Sanchez, the victim’s only child, have filed a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against Klinghoffer.
“Video of the incident shows that defendant Josh Adam Klinghoffer made no braking or slowing motion until after he fatally struck Israel Sanchez, indicating that defendant was likely driving while distracted,” Ashley’s lawyers stated in the complaint. “This horrible outcome was foreseeable and demonstrates a willful disregard for the rights and safety of others.”
“Klinghoffer … was more focused on his personal business than on acting as a responsible driver. These decisions culminated in the motor vehicle, inflicting fatal injuries on decedent, who died a horrific and excruciating death,” the lawsuit said.
According to an attorney for Klinghoffer, prosecutors have not alleged any intentional wrongdoing or gross negligence, and the charge is based on ordinary negligence, such as failure to yield.
Klinghoffer has been released on his own recognizance.