Alleged Drunk Driver In Deadly Napa Crash Had 3 Previous DUI Convictions

"We're learning more about Sunday's alleged DUI crash in Napa that killed six people when the driver ran off the road and crashed into a tree on Pope Valley Road. Specifically, KTVU is now reporting that the 53-year-old driver, Norberto Celerino of Stockton, had three previous DUI convictions, and also did not have a valid driver's license, and for whatever reason, also had three different aliases."

"Authorities in Napa County announced Monday that they had arrested Celerino on suspicion of murder, which suggested that this would be a case of what's known as "Watson murder" in California a second-degree murder charge for a DUI death when a suspect has prior DUI convictions. There were eight men in the minivan, including Celerino, and KTVU confirms they were all farm workers. Two have been identified as 42-year-old Loreto Ricardo Hernandez and 34-year-old Fernando Silverio. The other six victims have not yet been identified, as police are still notifying next of kin."

"KTVU reports that the Napa County Sheriff's Office says that all eight men in the vehicle were likely from the Stockton area. The one other survivor of the crash remains hospitalized. On Tuesday, Celerino was formally charged with six counts of murder, six counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and DUI. Related: Six Killed, 2 Injured in Solo Minivan Crash in Napa County, Driver Arrested for Suspected DUI [SFist]"

Norberto Celerino, 53, of Stockton allegedly drove a minivan off Pope Valley Road in Napa while intoxicated and crashed into a tree, killing six passengers. Celerino reportedly had three prior DUI convictions, including San Joaquin County convictions in 2020 and 2024, lacked a valid driver's license, and used three different aliases. Eight men, all likely farm workers from the Stockton area, were in the vehicle; two victims were identified as Loreto Ricardo Hernandez, 42, and Fernando Silverio, 34. One survivor remains hospitalized. Celerino was arrested on suspicion of murder and formally charged with multiple counts including six counts of murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Read at sfist.com