Melvin Branch Re-Arrested For Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash on Garden Grove (22) Freeway in Garden Grove
Melvin Branch Re-Arrested after Garden Grove (22) Freeway Crash That Killed Mother and Daughter
Garden Grove, California (January 7, 2019) – The DUI suspect who caused a traffic accident on New Year’s Day that killed a mother and her daughter in Garden Grove has been re-arrested Sunday morning, a local news source reported.
Jolene Gardner, 33, and Payton Castillo, 9, both of Hawthorne, died in the chain-reaction crash that was reported at about 1 a.m. January 1, on the Garden Grove (22) Freeway, just east of Valley View Street.
According to investigators, the suspect, Melvin Cleveland Branch, 30, of Orange, was speeding in a BMW sedan in the westbound lanes of the freeway when he rear-ended a Lexus in the carpool lane. The impact caused the Lexus to strike a barrier on the right side of the road.
The BMW then hit a 2010 Ford F-150 pickup operated by Gardner. The force caused the Ford to roll onto its side and skid across multiple lanes of the freeway. The Ford was then hit by a Mazda sedan, which then crashed into the center divider.
Gardner was rushed to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Her daughter Castillo was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Branch was treated for minor injuries. He was initially held on $100,000 bail after being arrested Tuesday, but he was released from custody on Thursday as Orange County prosecutors asked investigators for more evidence.
Branch was charged Friday with two felony counts of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury, one felony count of driving with blood alcohol of .08 percent or more causing bodily injury, and one misdemeanor count each of resisting/obstructing an officer and assault on a peace officer.
According to a statement from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, sentencing-enhancement allegations included causing bodily injury and death to multiple victims and fleeing the scene of a crime.
The news release said a warrant was issued for Branch’s re-arrest, and he turned himself into the California Highway Patrol at the agency’s Santa Ana office.
Branch, who turned 30 on New Year’s Eve, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years and eight months in state prison if convicted as charged. He was arrested shortly after the 12:50 a.m. crash on the 22 Freeway, just east of Valley View Street.
A GoFundMe page has been established to help pay for the victims’ funeral services.
The crash remains under investigation.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Gardner and Castillo. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult period.
If you have lost someone you love in a fatal car accident, we highly recommend that you seek legal guidance and fight for justice. At Pacific Attorney Group, we go to a great length to ensure that an insurance company follows the law and offers full compensation for your loss. Call our firm today, and we will help you get justice for your loved one.
If you are a family member of the person killed and would like a free copy of the police report, please contact Pacific Attorney Group at 1-800-358-9617
