Los Angeles Man Pleads Guilty in Deadly DUI Crash on PCH

By Redaccion
[email protected]

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that on     March 6, 2024, Keith David McDowell-Satyananda (DOB 10/30/76), of Los Angeles, pled guilty to one felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and one felony count of driving under the influence causing injury. He also admitted to four special allegations, including that he fled the scene of the crime, caused great bodily injury in commission of a felony, and that the crime involved great violence.

On December 21, 2022, at approximately 10:00 p.m., McDowell-Satyananda struck Alena Pascuali and Diego Ramirez with his vehicle as they stood next to their parked car on the dirt shoulder of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) near Point Mugu. After hitting the two victims and their car, McDowell-Satyananda fled the scene and continued driving on PCH. Ms. Pascuali was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Ramirez was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, but he survived.

Deputy District Attorney Kelsey Einhorn, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office DUI Unit, prosecuted the case.

“The reckless actions of the defendant robbed Alena of her life and will impact Diego and their families forever,” Ms. Einhorn said. “This unfortunate case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for responsible choices on our roads.”

McDowell-Satyananda is scheduled to be sentenced on May 22, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 11 of the Ventura County Superior Court. He remains out of custody on $100,000 bail.

Case: 2022033220
Defendant Information:
Keith David McDowell-Satyananda (DOB 10/30/76)
Los Angeles

Pled Guilty to:

• PC 191.5(a) – Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
• VC 23153(a) – Driving under the influence causing injury

Special Allegations:

• VC 20001(c) – Fleeing the scene of the crime
• CRC 4.421(a)(1) – The crime involved great violence
• PC 1192.8(a) – Serious felony
• PC 12022.7(a) – Great bodily injury in commission of the felony