Fresno County, CA – The Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the suspect and victim in a fatal DUI accident in Fresno County that occurred over the weekend near Orange Cove. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a devastating three-vehicle collision at the intersection of Manning and Hill Avenues just after 11 p.m. Saturday night.
Authorities say 24-year-old Jesus Zeferino of Reedley was driving a Honda Civic eastbound on Manning Avenue when he failed to slow down and rear-ended a Honda Accord stopped at a posted stop sign. The impact caused the Accord to burst into flames. The driver, identified as 27-year-old Eli Lopez of Kingsburg, tragically died in the burning vehicle, while a female passenger was rescued and taken to the hospital with moderate to severe injuries.
CHP reports that a third vehicle, which was stopped on the opposite side of the intersection, was struck on the driver’s side by Zeferino’s Civic. The driver of the third vehicle sustained minor head injuries while the passenger was unharmed.
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Three male passengers in the Civic, including Zeferino, were also hospitalized with moderate to severe injuries. After receiving medical treatment, Zeferino was arrested on multiple charges, including suspicion of DUI, DUI resulting in death, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Authorities also confirmed that Zeferino had an outstanding warrant for stalking.
This heartbreaking DUI accident in Fresno serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence. The loss of Eli Lopez is a tragedy for his loved ones, and our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. We also hope for the recovery of the injured victims.