SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A suspected drunken driver accused of killing a man after crashing into a homeless encampment near a San Francisco freeway has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and two other felonies.
Jaime Juarez entered his pleas during his arraignment hearing Thursday in San Francisco. He faces one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and two counts related to drunken driving in connection with the death of 62-year-old Wilbert Williams early Sunday morning.
Prosecutors say the 27-year-old Juarez of San Francisco was intoxicated when he lost control of his SUV while exiting off Interstate 80. He allegedly missed a 25-mph curve on the off-ramp and slammed into Williams who was sleeping inside a tent.
Juarez’s attorney, Steve Spiegelman said Thursday that he’s still reviewing the evidence.
Juarez remains in jail on $700,000 bail. He is due back in court on July 14.
