A man accused of driving drunk and killing a young man in a fiery head-on crash has pleaded guilty to related charges.
At a preliminary readiness this week, Roy Dunkin, 51, pleaded guilty to Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while Intoxicated and Driving Under the Influence Causing Injury to more than one person, according to the San Diego County District Attorney (DA). He pleaded guilty at a Sept. 2 hearing.
Dunkin hit and killed Lucas Riley, 24, of San Diego, in a fiery three-car crash on State Route 67 on Aug. 20, according to the DA's office.
Dunkin was driving his car when he veered into the left lane, briefly hitting one car before he slammed head-on into Riley's Mini Cooper, police said.
The impact set the Mini Cooper on fire; by the time crews arrived on scene, flames had fully engulfed the car and trapped the victim, later identified as Riley, inside, deputies said. He died at the scene.
After the crash, authorities could be seen pulling out beer cans from the Chevrolet. Dunkin suffered a broken wrist.
Shawna Wickwire, Riley's fiancee, told NBC 7 San Diego that Riley was a selfless man willing to help anyone.
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“He was the most caring and loving person I ever have known in my entire life. I have never felt more love for him,” Wickwire said. The couple was planning on getting married this October.
Riley's family has set up a GoFundMe as a memorial fund. The money raised will cover funeral expenses. To donate, click here.
At his sentencing on Nov. 4, he is facing 13 years and eight months in prison.
