SANTA ANA, Calif.—A 31-year-old previously convicted drunk driver was found guilty Aug. 2 of second-degree murder for an alcohol-fueled crash that killed a veteran newspaper editor near his Santa Ana home two years ago.
Louie Robert Villa was also convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, and DUI with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit of 0.08 percent causing injury, all felonies. Jurors, who deliberated for about an hour, found true sentencing enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury.
Before the trial began, Villa pleaded guilty to driving while his license was suspended or revoked.
Jurors deadlocked 10–2 in favor of guilt on a misdemeanor count of engaging in a speed contest. Prosecutors will determine later whether to dismiss the misdemeanor….