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OC man faces manslaughter for drunk driving hit-and-run
Kenneth McNair, 22, faces manslaughter charges for allegedly killing Jose Pacheco in a high-speed crash while intoxicated. McNair had no driver's license. Opening statements are scheduled to begin Monday, Nov. 30.
According to the Orange County District Attorney's Office, McNair allegedly drank alcohol with a friend at his home in Downey on Nov. 15, 2008, then took a cab to the Downey Brewing Company where he drank more. McNair took a cab home, then drove to another bar and drank more before driving away with his friend.
At approximately 1:30 a.m., McNair was allegedly driving between 75 and 80 mph in a 45 mph zone in a Honda Sedan. He crashed into the back of Pacheco's Ford Mustang and sideswiped another vehicle stopped at a red light. The crash sent the Mustang across the intersection, where it burst into flames. Pacheco died due to the fire. He was a 20-year-old student at California State University, Long Beach.
McNair crashed head-on into a semi-trailer truck on the other side of the intersection, then allegedly fled on foot. Several witnesses called 911.
Huntington Beach police arrested McNair one block from the scene. Almost two hours after the crash, McNair had a blood alcohol level of .25 percent, over three times the legal limit.
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