A Navy police officer accused of driving drunk and killing a La Mesa police officer and a 19-year-old motorist was back in a downtown San Diego courtroom today, as the high-profile case inched forward and the victims' families looked on from the gallery.
The hearing marked the latest step in the investigation into the Oct. 20 multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 8 that left Officer Lauren Craven and De'Veonte Morris dead. Family members and uniformed officers filled the courtroom seats while prosecutors and defense attorneys worked through pretrial scheduling and discovery issues.
Court scheduling and defendant's status
According to FOX 5 San Diego, 38-year-old Antonio Alcantar appeared briefly before the judge and is now set for a felony disposition conference on July 8. The outlet reports that his defense attorney told the court Alcantar remains out on bail while both sides prepare for the next phase of the case.
Prosecutors told the judge they want the matter to keep moving as investigators finish lab testing and review traffic and body-worn camera videos tied to the deadly crash.
What happened on the freeway
On Oct. 20, Craven, a 25-year-old La Mesa officer, pulled over to help after a two-car crash on eastbound I-8 near Fairmount Avenue. She began moving other motorists out of harm's way and returned to an overturned vehicle to assist the driver.
Video and forensic evidence show that as she and the driver she was helping, 19-year-old Morris, stood near the wreck, another car came into the scene and struck them, killing both. Those details of the chain of events were reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Prosecutors' case
Prosecutors say Alcantar had been drinking earlier that night and that his blood-alcohol concentration measured about 0.16, roughly twice the legal limit, when it was taken more than an hour after the collision. They also told the court that body camera and traffic camera footage show his vehicle did not appear to brake or swerve in time to avoid the emergency scene, an account detailed by NBC 7 San Diego.
Medical examiner's report and the other victim
A medical examiner's report obtained by local media found that Morris had a blood-alcohol level near 0.15, along with traces of cannabis and nitrous oxide. Legal experts quoted in coverage of the case say those toxicology findings could influence whether prosecutors ultimately add charges related to his death as the investigation continues.
ABC 10News reviewed the report and spoke with commentators from both prosecution and defense backgrounds about how the laboratory results and scene evidence might shape future charging decisions.
Charges, plea and defense
Alcantar has pleaded not guilty to one count of murder and one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in connection with Craven's death. His defense team has highlighted his military service and urged the public not to rush to judgment while the court process plays out.
Community response and what comes next
Craven's death prompted candlelight vigils and a lengthy funeral procession through the community, as fellow officers and residents honored the young rookie who pulled over to help strangers on the freeway and never made it home.
With the felony disposition conference set for July, prosecutors say they are still reviewing lab results and video evidence before deciding whether to seek additional charges connected to Morris' death.
