Fresno, Calif. — Joal Campbell, the driver implicated in a deadly crash that claimed two lives in central Fresno earlier this week, was charged with two counts of murder, officials reported. The collision occurred on Monday night when Campbell allegedly ran a red light and collided with a truck, leading to the deaths of 71-year-old Robert Castro Ruiz and 62-year-old Raymond Leigh Sandoval.
During a hospital-based court appearance on Friday, Fresno County Superior Court Judge Geoffrey Wilson conducted the arraignment via Zoom. Campbell, who appeared in the video call showing evident injuries, was able to confirm his ability to hear and participate in the proceedings. The formal entry of his plea was postponed until next month due to his medical condition.
Legal experts explained that the severe charges stem from Campbell’s history of impaired driving. With a prior conviction for reckless driving under the influence in 2010 and a DUI arrest in 2021, prosecutors argue that Campbell was well aware of the lethal risks associated with drunk driving. This past record could play a crucial role in establishing malice — a key component required for murder charges.
Campbell also faces additional charges, including driving with a suspended license, running a red light, and driving under the influence of alcohol, meth, and THC. Legal analyst Tony Capozzi noted that the presence of drugs in Campbell’s system would likely exacerbate his impaired ability to operate a vehicle safely, which could be a decisive factor in the trial.
In a recent discussion, Capozzi highlighted the gravity of driving under drug influence, emphasizing how it severely disrupts the nervous system and delays reaction times, which could be compelling evidence against Campbell.
As the case unfolds, the victims’ relatives expressed their commitment to attending all future court sessions, articulating their desire for justice. Meanwhile, Campbell is anticipated to face ongoing medical evaluations that might influence the timeline and proceedings of his trial.
The community has been left reeling from the event, sparking discussions about road safety and the stringent penalties for DUI offenses. Legal observers and residents alike are closely watching to see how this tragic case might influence future legal actions against similar offenses in California.