Arraignment Delayed in Fairfield Fatal Crash Case

I’m Ed Smith, a Fairfield car accident lawyer. An ongoing case involving the deaths of two local men was delayed on Thursday, August 16, 2018. Sean Matthew Walker, a 36-year-old resident of Rocklin, was arrested on charges related to the fatal accident including driving while distracted and vehicular manslaughter. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers announced Walkers arrest on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, and the man was released from police custody after posting a $90,000 bail the following day. Walker’s arraignment has been scheduled to take place at the Solano County Superior Court on September 12, 2018, at 8:30 a.m.

Accident Review

The crash took place on the morning of Friday, August 10, 2018. Kirk Griess, a 46-year-old Vacaville man and 19-year-veteran of CHP, had been driving his patrol motorcycle on northbound Interstate 80 when he pulled over a Saturn SUV being driven by Jaime Manuel, a 49-year-old resident of Vallejo. The two men were pulled over on the highway shoulder near the Manuel Campos Parkway freeway exit when Walker’s vehicle approached their location. Walker had been driving a Chevrolet pickup truck, and his vehicle suddenly veered off of the road, eventually striking both Griess and Manuel.

Griess and Manuel were both found at the accident site with serious injuries. Both men were taken to the NorthBay Medical Center where they were given emergency medical treatments. However, both men were tragically declared deceased later that day. A procession of police vehicles drove from the hospital to Vacaville to honor the deceased officer.

Investigation and Charges

After investigating the crash, CHP reported that they found evidence showing Walker had been using his cellphone when the accident occurred. Not only had Walker allegedly been driving while distracted, but CHP also indicated that he had been traveling at speeds well above the highway speed limit of 65 miles per hour.

At the time of his arrest, Walker was charged with two felony counts of vehicular manslaughter as well as one count of reckless driving leading to fatal injuries.

Community Response

A grieving community has rallied to support the families of both Manuel and Griess. A public memorial service was scheduled for Griess, who served in Solano for over 16 years. Additionally, the CHP credit union started a fund to support the family Griess left behind.

An online fundraiser has also been started to assist the relatives of Manuel, who immigrated to America over ten years ago from the Philippines. Formerly an airline manager, Manuel immigrated to the U.S. to earn more money for his family back home and had been putting his daughter through college when the fatal accident occurred. The fundraising page for Manuel’s family can be found here.

CHP Bell Toll Ceremony

Officer Griess was honored in a CHP ceremony on Monday, August 13, 2018. Video of the ceremony can be watched below:

More by Ed Smith, Fairfield Car Accident Lawyer

Fairfield Car Accident Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Fairfield car accident lawyer. When a fatal car accident happens, families are often devastated. If a person that you love has been hurt during a vehicle collision, please dial (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400 so that I can give you free, friendly case advice. My website is another good way to contact me.

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Arraignment Delayed in Fairfield Fatal Crash Case