4:38pm | If ever you’re at a bar having a drink or two, and even need to consider whether or not you are sober enough to drive, home, remember the story of Neely Dinkins.
A jury in Long Beach today convicted the 35-year old Dinkins of second-degree murder and a host of other charges after he drove his SUV under the influence and struck a small wagon that contained two toddlers as their parents cross the street with them in tow.
The horrific crash killed 1-year old Kaylee Alvarez and injured her 2-year old brother, Oscar. The car dragged Oscar for about a block before it stopped and a good samaritan rescued him. Kaylee was not so lucky. Dinkins decided to continue driving with she and the wagon still lodged under the car. He continued for about a mile before pulling into his driveway as witnesses rushed to attempt to rescue Kaylee. She died at the scene.
Flowers, candles and well wishes adorned the corner of the accident of 10th Street and Redondo for several days following the accident, which deeply wounded a community.
Dinkins was shown to have had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit of .08, and had been arrested for DUI before.
The jury deliberated for 2 1/2 days before finding Dinkins guilty of second-degree murder, as well as: Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, Driving under the influence with injury, Driving with a blood alcohol level of more than .08 with injury, and Leaving the scene of an accident. They also found true allegations of great bodily injury to a child under the age of 5 and causing injury to more than one victim.
Long Beach Superior Court Judge Tomson T. Ong presided over the trial and will sentence Dinkins on March 8. Dinkins could face a sentence of up to 30 Years To Life because of his prior strike. He remains in custody on $1.49 million bail.