PASADENA >> A driver accused of killing a motorcyclist in a drunken driving-related crash in Pasadena early New Year’s Day faces a vehicular manslaughter charge, officials said.
Prosecutors charged Shawn Antonio, 42, of Pasadena vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence on Wednesday, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Sarah Ardalani said.
The charge stems from a crash between his BMW X3 SUV and a motorcyclist about 4:40 a.m. on Sunday at Fair Oaks Avenue and Washington Boulevard.
Killed was Carl Steve Perry, 57, of Altadena, Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner Assistant Chief of Operations Ed Winter said. An autopsy determined Perry died from traumatic injuries, and the death was ruled accidental.
Perry was southbound on Fair Oaks Avenue when Antonio made a left turn in front of him, causing the collision, according to Pasadena police Lt. Mark Goodman. Paramedics took Perry to a hospital, where he soon succumbed to his injuries.
Police determined Antonio was under the influence of alcohol and arrested him on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, Goodman said.
Antonio appeared in court but entered no plea Wednesday, district attorney’s office spokesman Ricardo Santiago said. His arraignment hearing was postponed to Jan. 11 in the Pasadena branch of Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Initially held in lieu of $2 million bail, Antonio’s bail was reduced to $50,000 bail during Wednesday’s proceedings, officials said.
He was released from custody Thursday morning pending the legal process after posting bail, Los Angeles County booking records show.
If convicted as charged, Antonio faces a maximum sentence of four years in state prison.