Lancaster Station Traffic Detectives acquire landmark marijuana related murder conviction in 2018 cr

We would like to thank and congratulate our Traffic Investigators! On Monday, March 9, 2020, led by Sergeant Dave Jennings, Detectives Gil Borruel, Ryan Bodily and Matt Davis acquired a second-degree murder conviction for a crash that killed three people in a marijuana DUI case. In January of 2018, Yovany Salazar Calzada, his wife Rocio Lopez and Mr. Calzada’s grandmother, Virginia Martinez, were killed when their vehicle was struck by another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle not only ran a red light, but was driving nearly 90mph in a 40mph zone. In addition, blood test proved the driver was driving under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash. Finding the driver guilty of three counts of second-degree murder is one of the first of its kind in marijuana related crashes. It sets a new precedent for driving under the influence cases that could have an impact in convictions nationwide. The driver is facing a minimum of 15 years to life and a maximum of 45 years to life in state prison. We could not be more proud of our detectives for their diligent work and investigation. Having said all that, the tragedy for the family is not lessened in any way. Our detectives would like to use this conviction to raise awareness to the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana. Driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated mean driving impaired. Whether it be alcohol, marijuana or prescription medication, impaired driving is unsafe, unlawful and has serious consequences. Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, including their young children. We are so thankful to our Traffic Detectives for their incredible work. Truly, some of the hardest working detectives we have ever met, they know the victim’s names and families in every single case. We hope this has not been in vain and to have our message shared: Marijuana impairs your judgement. Do not drive impaired. Ever.