A Victorville man with a history of driving under the influence now faces murder charges after being implicated in a fatal DUI crash that claimed the life of a 36-year-old woman. Shawn Anthony Ballard, the 27-year-old driver, was arrested for murder following the deadly collision on La Mesa Road and Wagon Wheel Drive.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department, deputies responded to a two-vehicle collision in the early hours of Monday, August 14, where they found the victim, Nakita Shaunee Breland, dead at the scene. The accident occurred when Ballard, found intoxicated and trapped in his black 1999 Toyota Sienna after the crash, swerved into the eastbound lane, directly colliding with Breland's white 2009 Toyota Yaris.
Investigators from the Major Accident Investigation Team conducted a thorough review, concluding that Breland was innocently traveling in her lane when Ballard, influenced by alcohol, veered his vehicle across the turn lane and instigated the fatal encounter. A routine check unveiled Ballard's unsettling past, marked by a prior DUI conviction.
Following the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued, and Ballard was taken into custody from his home in Victorville on November 16. He now faces a litany of charges, including murder and felony DUI with great bodily injury or death, resulting in his confinement at the High Desert Detention Center under a $1,000,000 bail. Before being transported to his basement, where he was held, Ballard was observed wearing handcuffs and visibly distressed.
The tragic event has prompted authorities to solicit more information that could shed further light on the case. They are calling on the public to reach out with any pertinent details. Information can be shared anonymously via the We-Tip Hotline or by contacting the Victorville Sheriff's Station directly. More information about this case can be found in the official Sheriff-Coroner announcement.
