Man admits fatal crash in Pala one year ago

Michael James Inglett admitted gross vehicular manslaughter while under the influence, in San Diego’s North County Superior Court last week.

It was a year ago when Inglett’s vehicle crossed the center line of Highway 76 in Pala, and crashed head-on into the motorcycle driven by Steven Randell.

Randell lost one leg in the crash and the passenger on his bike, Elizabeth Aldrette, was killed. The female passenger suffered a broken pelvis and internal injuires, and ultimately succumbed to blood loss.

A prosecutor said that Michael Inglett, 37, admitted two felony counts: gross vehicular manslaughter while under the influence and DUI causing great bodily injury. Both convictions will count as “strikes,” according to Deputy District Attorney Laurie Hauf.

“On March 3, 2012, Michael Inglett was high on methamphetamine when he drove East on Highway 76 at speeds over 80 miles per hour,” prosecutor Hauf stated. In the plea deal, one count of possession of methamphetamine was dropped. Inglett expects a ten year prison sentence at his next court appearance.

Sentencing is set for July 23, 2013 at 1:30 in the Vista courthouse. The prosecutor said, “I expect family to be present to address the court.” Deputy District Attorney Hauf said that loved ones of both Steven Randell and Elizabeth Aldrette will probably speak to the judge before sentence is pronounced, in San Diego’s North County Superior Courthouse.