Apr 3, 2007 3:54 pm US/Pacific
First Day In Court For DUI Suspect Vellanoweth
by Rafer Weigel
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) ―
Robert Vellanoweth, a prominent Sacramento figure, is accused of killing four people in a car crash. Flanked by supporters, he faced a judge today.
It was quite a scene as members of the media packed into a Sacramento courtroom. During the hearing the judge made a joke, but for drunk driving suspect Robert Vellanoweth, this was no laughing matter. He walked in flanked by family and clutching his wife's hand.
_____________
RELATED:
Suspect In Fatal DUI Had .16 Blood Alcohol Level_____________
Vellanoweth is facing four counts of vehicle manslaughter, felony DUI , and resisting arrest. The district attorney asked for a continuation until deciding exactly what charges to file. Outside the courtroom Vellanoweth had nothing to say. Vellanoweth's lawyer said he petitioned for a temporary driver's license but doesn't expect him to drive.
"Anyone who goes through something like this it's going to be very difficult to get back into a car. So I think it's a good idea that we have this period going on like it is now," said Vellanoweth's Attorney, Chris Wing.
The D.A. asking of a continuation is normal in a case like this given the amount of charges the police are suggesting to be filed. It gives them the time to build a case against the defendant.
Incidentally, there were no family members of the victims present in court today.
More Local News_______________________________________
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Get CBS13 Video On Your Cell Phone
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments