After Several Delays, Elk Grove DUI-Manslaughter Trial to Start Monday

September 7, 2013 |

After several delays and false starts, the trial of Heile Gantan and Ladonna Torres of Elk Grove will start this Monday in Sacramento Superior Court.

Gantan is facing vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, driving under influence causing injury and leaving the scene of accident involving injury or death charges in the May 28, 2011 death of 20-year old Oscar Ivan Camero of Elk Grove. Torres, who will be tried with Gantan, is accused of leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death.

On the early morning of Saturday, May 28 Gantan allegedly was driving a BMW under the influence of alcohol at a high rate of speed on southbound Power Inn Road between Calvine and Sheldon roads when the car hit the median, crossed lanes, flipping the car and then hitting a tree. Gantan and Torres allegedly left the scene and Camero, who later died, trapped in the car.

The trial, which is expected to last approximately two weeks, includes a list of close to five dozen potential witnesses including 23 law enforcement officers from the Elk Grove Police and the Sacramento Sheriff's departments, two medical doctors, a Roman Catholic priest, family members of Gantan and Camero and accident reconstruction expert witnesses.

The prosecution will be conducted by deputy district attorney Kari Reeve while Gantan will be represented by noted defense attorney Don Masuda.

The trial will be held in Department 42 of the Sacramento Superior Court.