KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
The fatal 14 freeway DUI crash suspect who was arrested almost a year ago returned to court Tuesday to have a date set for his preliminary hearing, only to have his case delayed yet again.
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Almost a year has passed since the fiery 14 freeway DUI crash where Joe Lopez, 25, of Little Rock, allegedly struck a parked vehicle and its 60-year-old driver along the road, causing the man’s death.
During that time, Lopez has had several appearances at the San Fernando Superior Courthouse where his case is being weighed. Tuesday’s appearance saw his preliminary hearing setting pushed back to September 10.
CHP records show the victim, Sam Edinburg, was parked on the northbound 14 freeway on August 13, 2017 shortly before 5:30 a.m., when Lopez allegedly drifted from his lane of travel and collided with Edinburg’s Toyota Corolla.
Related: Fiery 14 Freeway Crash Kills 1, Driver Arrested On Vehicular Manslaughter, Felony DUI Charges
Fire personnel arrived on scene at 5:40 a.m. to an area north of Soledad Canyon Road and reported that a vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. After fire officials extinguished the burning vehicle, Edinburgh was declared dead at the scene.
Lopez was charged with vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI later that day, according to Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station officials. He pleaded not guilty in December of 2017.
Bail was initially set at $100,000, but was later increased to $2 million.
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