California: John Giumarra III charged with DUI and felony hit and run for killing Angela Holder

John Giumarra III charged with DUI and felony hit and run for killing Angela Holder

Lawsuit reveals boozing winemaker dragged woman’s body with his vehicle

John Giumarra III charged with killing Angela Holder while DUI and hit and run Jan 16, 2017 felony hit and run

BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. — Kern County District Attorney Lisa S. Green announced the filing of two charges against John George Giumarra Ill. Giumarra, 48, was charged with one felony count of hit and run (Vehicle Code section 20001) arising out of a collision where a death occurred. He was charged with one misdemeanor count of driving while impaired (Vehicle Code section 23152) with a prior misdemeanor conviction for driving while impaired. The criminal case originated from a collision that took place on January 16, 2017, on Golden State Avenue near the intersection with F Street. Angela Holder, 32, was killed in the collision.
The Bakersfield Police Department requested felony DUI charges and the felony hit and run charge. District Attorney Green explained why the felony DUI charge was not filed: “The law is absolutely clear that an individual must commit an independently unlawful act other than driving impaired, and that act must be the cause of death.

Giumarra did not commit any separate act that caused Ms. Holder’s death, therefore there was insufficient evidence to support the filing of a felony driving while impaired. A felony hit and run causing death have no similar independent unlawful act requirement, and therefore the evidence supports the filing of the hit and run.”

If convicted, Giumarra faces a maximum sentence of four years in state prison.

 From Bakersfield.com

John Giumarra III, a member of the prominent Bakersfield farming family that runs Giumarra Vineyards Corporation, pleaded not guilty Monday to hit-and-run and DUI charges stemming from a crash in January that killed a bicyclist.

Giumarra, 48, agreed to waive time so his preliminary hearing could be scheduled for Aug. 17 instead of within 10 days. He also signed a Watson advisal acknowledging he’s been told if he drinks and drives and someone dies, as a result, he could be charged with murder.

Attorney Jeremy Brehmer said Giumarra would post bond after the hearing.

Police said Giumarra was driving in the 1600 block of Golden State Avenue when he collided with a bicyclist around 9:30 p.m. Jan. 16.

He left the scene, according to police, and was found at a Mobil station on F Street, where officers determined he was under the influence.

The bicyclist, Angela Holder, 32, died the next day at Kern Medical Center.   MORE

Angela Amaris Holder, 32, left us too early to be with her Lord on Tuesday, January 17, 2017.

Angela Amaris Holder killed by John Giumarra III on Jan. 17, 2017

A loving mother, she is survived by her five children, Alexandra, Angel, Elizabeth, Adriana, and Rodney Jr.; mother, Debra; and sister, Jennifer. She entered this world on May 16, 1984, and was a friend to all who crossed her path along her journey. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure to be in her life, and forever loved by her dearest family – never forgotten.

Services are to be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home Northeast on Saturday, February 4, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All who knew her are welcome to join the family to celebrate her life.

“This is a journey we must all take and each must go alone.
It’s all part of the Maker’s plan, a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me, but let me go.”
~ Anonymous