Driver Involved in Fatal Head-On Crash in Goleta May Have DUI Record

» MT wrote on 11.09.09 @ 06:52 PM

I hope Rodriguez spends the rest of his life in prison thinking about what he did.

» William wrote on 11.09.09 @ 07:54 PM

Why don’t “misdemeanor” DUI’s have their licenses suspended??? No bueno. Thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ families.

» =[ wrote on 11.09.09 @ 11:54 PM

Richard has a wonderful heart and he is a great man. I know he never meant to kill two people that night. I would never hurt anyone. Sadly he did and now has to spend 25 years in jail and the guilt he has. I cant imagine was Richard is going through. I bet he wishes he was dead. Its sad to know he didnt get taught his lesson the first time. All the people he was drinking with blame themself too…they have all been sad. My prayers go out to richards friends family and the friends he was with that night. Also for the family who lost 2 people, it was not their time to go, but noone meant to kill them. May they enter the Kingdom of Heaven

» ZB wrote on 11.10.09 @ 12:13 AM

A person with a wonderful heart is not so thoughtless as to be driving drunk two weekends in a row. He’s a selfish
person thinking only of himself. No amount of candy coating is going to change the fact he killed two people and ripped apart a family forever.

» Sblifer wrote on 11.10.09 @ 08:35 AM

“Richard has a wonderful heart and he is a great man” umm NO, not even close. A great man with a wonderful heart does not get behind the wheel after drinking and kill multiple people. This was no accident, he made a willful choice to drink and drive which resulted in the death of 2 innocent people. He deserves no sympathy and from teh sound of it will likely be charged with murder.

» Higher Standards wrote on 11.10.09 @ 09:39 AM

Dense is the right word for anyone who describes an UNDERAGE DRUNK DRIVER with MULTIPLE OFFENSES and who’s GROSS NEGLIGENCE LED TO FATALITIES as a “great man.”  Pity Richard all you want, but excuse the rest of us from any of your b.s. sugar-coating.  I’m just thankful none of my friends and family were in his path.

» Info. wrote on 11.10.09 @ 10:45 AM

Just a little info. that I am 99% sure is correct- Misdemeanor DUI’s DO have their licenses suspended, just not immediately. The license is revoked at the court date. This is the same with numerous other traffic offenses and I would assume this is because the DUI offender is “innocent until proven guilty.” Guilt is determined at the court date and, if found guilty, the license is suspended.

» Bruce Holms wrote on 11.10.09 @ 12:05 PM

Every time I read about one of these “vehicular manslaughter” cases because of a DUI it makes me sick.

There is no way to stop a driver from driving.

I have personal experience with this and I can tell all the “bleeding hearts” that people who drink and drive usually continue for the rest of their lives - “unless” they stop drinking completely or “never” drive.

I taught “traffic school” for about 5 years and the repeat offenders were going in and out of the system in a revolving door of “slick lawyer” maneuvering around “hands tied” judges who “want to do” the right thing - but are bound by laws that favor the DUI “suspects”.

Even when the laws are followed, you can’t stop them (the DUI drivers) from getting in any car and driving drunk!

The solution is “constant - life long” supervision paid for by the convicted along with complete retribution paid by these “low life” characters who only sober up when they appear before the courts.

I recommend “electronic monitoring” for a period of at least 10-20 years frst offense.

“Electronic Monitoring is the 21st Century solution to overcrowded penal institutions which are expensive and inhumane.  The police and parole officers have difficulty keeping up with the large number of suspects and parolees and individuals on probation.  Electronic monitoring provides an efficient way to maintain the safety of the public and efficiency of law enforcement.”
http://www.icuelectronicmonitoring.com/

The real problem, though is still the same, “How does the Drunk Driver” work without driving privileges?” Which is the one question that always gets the court in trouble, ending up with some type of ridiculous leniency.

Again, my solution is to set up a mandatory work furlough program for DUI convicts. The state has a lot of work that needs to be done (from menial tasks to administration positions) and remember, DUI convicts come from all levels of education. Let them (the DUI convicts) ride in buses to work - garnish their wages until all costs have been paid. Then monitor them for another 10 years.

If the state really wants to stop the repeat offenders from eventually killing innocent drivers, we have to strong enough to take their privileges away once and for all.

Thank you for reading this. Please get involved, MADD is for men too. http://www.madd.org/

» LBB wrote on 11.10.09 @ 12:41 PM

Rick may be a good person when he is sober but he became something else when he drove his car after drinking too much. When people drink they loose their ability to decide if they are too drunk to drive… make that decision BEFORE you drink, have a designated driver! Call a cab for your friend. Sleep on the floor. Anything but drive! No one thinks this can happen to them. Now two families are suffering!

» Bruce Holms wrote on 11.10.09 @ 12:51 PM

Every time I read about one of these “vehicular manslaughter” cases because of a DUI it makes me sick.

There is no way to stop a driver from driving.

I have personal experience with this and I can tell all the “bleeding hearts” that people who drink and drive usually continue for the rest of their lives - “unless” they stop drinking completely or “never” drive.

I taught “traffic school” for about 5 years and the repeat offenders were going in and out of the system in a revolving door of “slick lawyer” maneuvering around “hands tied” judges who “want to do” the right thing - but are bound by laws that favor the DUI “suspects”.

Even when the laws are followed, you can’t stop them (the DUI drivers) from getting in any car and driving drunk!

The solution is “constant - life long” supervision paid for by the convicted along with complete retribution paid by these “low life” characters who only sober up when they appear before the courts.

I recommend “electronic monitoring” for a period of at least 10-20 years frst offense.

“Electronic Monitoring is the 21st Century solution to overcrowded penal institutions which are expensive and inhumane.  The police and parole officers have difficulty keeping up with the large number of suspects and parolees and individuals on probation.  Electronic monitoring provides an efficient way to maintain the safety of the public and efficiency of law enforcement.”
http://www.icuelectronicmonitoring.com/

The real problem, though is still the same, “How does the Drunk Driver” work without driving privileges?” Which is the one question that always gets the court in trouble, ending up with some type of ridiculous leniency.

Again, my solution is to set up a mandatory work furlough program for DUI convicts. The state has a lot of work that needs to be done (from menial tasks to administration positions) and remember, DUI convicts come from all levels of education. Let them (the DUI convicts) ride in buses to work - garnish their wages until all costs have been paid. Then monitor them for another 10 years.

If the state really wants to stop the repeat offenders from eventually killing innocent drivers, we have to strong enough to take their privileges away once and for all.

Thank you for reading this. Please get involved, MADD is for men too. http://www.madd.org/

» R.I.P. M.A.A,,,, wrote on 11.10.09 @ 02:10 PM

it doesent matter if he was a god guy. he made the worst possible descion he ever could have made and ended up killing 2 people that were extremly cared about and and seriously injuring two more. As far as im concerned this man dosent desereve a trial. He dosent deserve to see the light of day ever again. HE should have to stare at a picture of marcos everyday for the rest of his miserable life.

man only the good die young

» Alexis H wrote on 11.10.09 @ 03:28 PM

you guys are ridiculous to think that he is a good man after what he did! And yes if that was my family member I would still be just as angry! If someone makes to STUPID decision to drink and drive they deserve a life sentence, stop defending him!! You didn’t know the two people that died, Marcos made a difference to every person he ever met and everyone loved him. There isn’t a soul alive who has met Marcos and does not love him. Stop defending Richard’s actions, he is a bad person who did a really bad thing and he deserves life, not just 25 years!! I hope he never rests over what he did, and he thinks about it every day for the rest of his life!
This tragic event is effecting thousands of lives, all of the victims friends, and the entire family. God please find justice for this poor family!!!

» TMN wrote on 11.10.09 @ 09:05 PM

Ricky, a young man who has his whole life ahead of him. He made a bad decision and is paying for this horrific misfortune. But those who do not know him should not judge him as a monster. If you knew him you would not be saying this. There is a god and god will watch over him. This will haunt him the rest of his life regardless of what the sentence is. But he did NOT do this intentionally. He would never in his right mind want or try to kill someone. I am deeply sorry for the two who have lost their lives and their families. BUt his family and friends are going through alot too. Our hearts are broken too. Ricky stay strong and learn from this mistake. God will forgive you.

» GoletaBoy wrote on 11.10.09 @ 09:30 PM

Richard deserves life behind bars. I don’t care how good of a lawyer he has he deserves at least one life sentence for the 2 lifes he killed. There is no excuse for his actions. He is a responsible adult just like everyone else who is 18 and over. He is not a teenager anymore he’s 20 years old. Its just sad to have 2 people you knew leave your lives that fast without ever a chance to say goodbye. My family is going through a lot because of this loss. Both victims were like family to me. They were 2 innocent people just a couple of miles away from being home but thanks to richard they never will make it home. This has ruined so many lives already and it sucks to see it first hand in your family. I hope richard feels some pain while behind bars and remembers what he did because he will forever be a murder till his last day comes. RIP Tia and Marcos

» SMST wrote on 11.11.09 @ 12:47 AM

I would be interested to know exactly how drunk Rodriguez was to be driving on the WRONG SIDE of the highway.  This fact alone should show everyone that he should not have been anywhere near a vehicle unless it was in the back of a cab. There is NO EXCUSE for this.  A “nice” guy would have learned his lesson after being let off the previous week.  A “nice” guy, having still decided to continue drinking (strike 1), would have remembered his mistake and not gotten ANYWHERE near a car (strike 2).  Intentional or unintentional, a “nice” guy does not choose to get into a car intoxicated, kill 2 people, injure 2 more, destroy a family, and disrupt a community (strike 3).  By my count he is out.

Given his record in just the past 2 weeks, I hope there is no plea bargain in this case and the prosecution goes for the strongest sentence possible.

» A mom wrote on 11.11.09 @ 08:10 AM

When my son leaves the house on a Friday or Saturday night—I say a prayer that he makes it home safe, I stay awake until he is home and in his bed. Every siren, every phone call to the house sends chills through me.  Now you have two mothers whose sons won’t come home. One will only have the memories of her precious child and the other will never have the same child ever again. It is heartbreaking on so many levels. Both families will never be the same. Last night I stayed awake and cried for those two mothers whose sons won’t be coming home and gave a kiss to mine who was sleeping safely in his bed.  My thoughts go out to all.

» Pat wrote on 11.12.09 @ 05:47 AM

I know first hand, on my birthday, & I miss my Daughter every day.

http://www.zifflaw.com/NYInjuryLawBlog/tioga-county-pa-fatal-car-crash-due-to-alcohol-claims-a-young-life

He was sentenced to 3 yrs minimum manditory.

» R.I.P. M wrote on 11.15.09 @ 03:33 PM

This is ridiculous, where do you people get the freaking audacity to try to draw sympathy for someone so selfish as to take two COMPLETELY INNOCENT lives and destroy an entire family. Richard absolutely devastated our entire community because of his thoughtless and HEARTLESS actions. Good heart? that good heart excuse goes right out the window the second he decided to drive on the wrong side of the 101. His right to life should be forfeit. And if any of you had met Marcos you would not be sticking up for Richard.

» Earlier Arrest wrote on 11.15.09 @ 06:50 PM

Edhat story had comment (44544 on their most read story) about the previous recent arrest 11-8-09.

http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?id=1215&tid=1394&art=2406

» annonymous wrote on 11.17.09 @ 12:10 AM

Same Guy, won’t say how i know.  First offense for DUI is considered minor. The person has their license suspended for 4 months.  This suspension, however, does not take effect until 30 days after the arrest.  But, I guarantee you, suspended a person’s privilege to drive will not stop them from driving.  Suspended and unlicensed drivers are all over our roads.

» Jonny wrote on 11.19.09 @ 02:03 PM

I have gotten behind the wheel of a vehicle many times which resulted in 3 DUI’s over 30 years.  Fortunately I never hurt anyone and was never hurt.  I continiued to drink and drive because the penalities were not strict enough.  I thank God I never hurt anyone and do not drink and drive anymore due to situations like this.  I could not live with the guilt and shame.  If we want drunk driving to stop or reduce radically - It’s simple:  If you drink and drive and have a BAC of .10 or higher you spend ninty days in jail at your expense.  The second would be 1 year in jail.  Plan and simple - No lawyering up and getting out of it or reduced.  If this were in effect today two people would be alive and one young kid would have a life in front of him to look forward too.  Couple of problems, the lawyers do not want this and the food and beverage people don’t want this.  It’s about money not people’s lives.

» B.M.N wrote on 11.19.09 @ 03:09 PM

I am lucky enough to know Ricky and i can honestly say that he would have never meant to do any harm to anyone. He is a very sweet and bright guy i know that most of you out there are probably thinking that he doesn’t care about what he did or that he doesn’t think about what he has done to the other family. But knowing him he is thinking about it every minute of everyday and wishing that he can take back what happened. The people that don’t know him should’t be juding him for this yes it was really stupid for him to do this, but you know what a ton of people do stupid things when they are under the influence. His judgement was impaired and if his judgement wasn’t impaired this would have never happened. What about all of the kidnappers, rapists, gang members, and druggies i don’t hear people making such a big deal about that why not? All of that affects a family just as much as drunk driving does. And i am sure that A LOT of the people out there slamming him have driven drunk before. This could have happened to anyone of you out there and YOU could have been the one to ruin a family’s life. My prayers go out to Ricky, his family, and the other family

» huh wrote on 11.19.09 @ 06:32 PM

“OC is responsible for this family’s loss. “

that is strange, I thought the person to be tried means they are the ones being held responsibile.

» JetFalcon wrote on 01.21.10 @ 03:26 AM

I have seen Rick around at parties in Irvine.  But talking to my closer friends, we decided what Rick did was unacceptable and he deserves 30 years to life in jail.  The fact he got a DUI and then drives drunk again within a week shows how irresponsible he is and how much he doesn’t care about the law. 

First off, there was no urgency to go drive while blacked out, he had a house to crash at and sober up the next day.  But no, he decides he should drive when he just passed out on the couch.  If he was trying to go home, he was going to leave behind his friends he drove up to SB.  If he was trying to get food, he should have just waited until he was sober. 

It’s hard for me to defend Rick knowing he got a DUI the week before this incident.  If Rick killed one of our mutual friends or their family members, I doubt any of his friends here would back him up as a wonderful guy. 

I doubt Rick would really learn his lesson if he was only sentenced 3-5 years in prison.  I bet he would drive drunk again if he somehow was let off the hook this year.  He’d probably think, “I’ll drive drunk more carefully” after having 8-10 shots.