Oxnard Woman Sentenced to Prison for 2023 Vehicular Manslaughter in Montecito

An Oxnard woman has been sentenced to state prison for a vehicle collision that resulted in the death of a Santa Paula man near Montecito in 2023.

Ricki Newton, 24, was sentenced to 2 years in State Prison after previously pleading guilty to one felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter, Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch announced.

During a lengthy sentencing hearing the District Attorney’s Office requested Ms. Newton be sentenced to State Prison, while defense counsel advocated for felony probation.  The 2-year State Prison commitment was imposed by Superior Court Judge Von Deroian in Department 11. The gross vehicular manslaughter charge could produce up to six years in state prison.

The charge stems from an incident that occurred on August 13, 2023, around 3:00 a.m., when Newton was driving southbound on Highway 101 at approximately 113 mph, near Olive Mill Road exit.

Newton was alleged to have been attempting to race a friend while driving her Toyota Camry on Highway 101 when she attempted to pass a Mercury Mountaineer. Newton lost control, colliding with the Mountaineer and forcing it over an embankment.

The passenger of the Mountaineer, Louis Hernandez Jr., a 77-year-old resident of Santa Paula, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. The driver, Virginia Montelongo, then 67 of Santa Paula, suffered moderate injuries in the crash and required extrication by firefighters.

Newton and two passengers insider her Camry sustained minor injuries, according to the CHP report.

The CHP report issued on the same day of the collision stated “the traffic crash is DUI related” and Newton was booked on suspicion of felony DUI. Although the court filing did not reference or include any driving under the influence charges.

At sentencing, family members spoke of Hernandez as a loving son, father, uncle, and  dedicated hardworking man who made a better life for his family. 

“This is a reminder that a brief bad decision involving reckless driving can have tragic and life altering consequences. Thank you to the California Highway Patrol for their thorough  investigation and the prosecution team led by Michelle Mossembekker for seeking justice on behalf of Mr.  Hernandez in this case,” said District Attorney John Savrnoch.