10News.com

Sustain San Diego
Holiday Gift Guide Button
Sustain San Diego
10 News Leadership Award
San Diego News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters
Related To Story

Driver In Fatal Crash Convicted Of Manslaughter

POSTED: 4:14 pm PDT September 18, 2009
UPDATED: 7:04 pm PDT September 18, 2009

An El Cajon man who was drunk when he caused a crash on State Route 78 near Ramona that killed two men and injured a woman was cleared Friday of murder charges but convicted on two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter.

Shannon Shimp was also found guilty of DUI causing injury; driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08 percent or more and causing injury.

Each charge was attached with allegations he personally inflicted great bodily injury, and caused death or injury to three or more victims.

A passenger in Shimp's truck, Joseph Edwards, 52, and Ian Kinney, 19, who was driving a Lexus, died in the crash. Kinney's girlfriend was injured.

A test nearly two hours after the collision found that Shimp had a blood-alcohol level of .19 percent, which is more than twice the legal limit.

Witnesses testified that Shimp was driving eastbound when he tried to pass several vehicles, but lost control and skidded into the Lexus, which was pinned underneath the pickup.

Edwards, of Ramona, and Kinney, of Julian, both died at the scene.

Kinney's passenger, Tessa Medearis of Vista, had to be cut from the sedan and was hospitalized. Shimp suffered only minor injuries.

Deputy District Attorney Monte Bennett said the defendant faces about 17 years in prison when sentenced by Judge Herbert Exarhos on Jan 8.
The following are comments from our users. Opinions expressed are neither created nor endorsed by 10News.com. By posting your comments you agree to accept our Terms of Use. To report an offensive or otherwise inappropriate comment, click the "Flag" link that appears beneath that comment. Flagging a comment will send it to our editorial staff for review.

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

Before you splurge on that pricey remodeling project, beware. It may not pay you back when it's time to sell. More

If you're looking to save on your next new vehicle, a low sticker price is just one aspect. Consider all the costs and make the right decision. More

Acupuncture, massage, or other complementary therapies could manage your type-2 diabetes. Find out whether they can help you. More

Sponsored Links

2009 Holidays

It's hard not to go overboard on holiday spending for the kids, the spouse or other family and friends. Here's some advice that can help you manage your money this holiday season. More
Section: Holidays