By Redaccion
[email protected]
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Luiz Armando Ayala (DOB 12/01/01), of Oxnard, was sentenced on March 12, 2024, to four years prison for the driving under the influence death of John Sherman Winter. Ayala previously pled guilty on January 16, 2024, to one felony count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and one misdemeanor count of being an unlicensed driver. He also admitted to special allegations, including that he fled the scene of the crime, and that the crime involved great violence.
On July 17, 2022, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Ayala was seen by a witness speeding and swerving as he drove his car southbound on Rose Avenue, in Oxnard. He came to a stop at a red light before speeding away again once it turned green. Witnesses say Ayala was driving on the Avenue’s shoulder at a high rate of speed when he struck Mr. Winter, who was sitting on the curb. Following the collision, Ayala fled. Mr. Winter was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
Oxnard Police Department officers located Ayala and his vehicle not far from the scene. His vehicle had damage consistent with the collision. Ayala was arrested for DUI and taken to the hospital where his blood alcohol concentration measured .13 percent, nearly two hours after he had hit Mr. Winter.
Deputy District Attorney Kelsey Einhorn, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office DUI Unit, prosecuted the case.
“If you choose to get behind the wheel while impaired, you will be held accountable for your actions,” Ms. Einhorn said. “No sentence will ever bring John back to his friends and family, but we hope this case sends a strong message, that senseless DUI-related deaths are unacceptable.»
Case: 2022017825
Defendant Information:
Luis Armando Ayala (DOB 12/01/01)
Oxnard
Pled Guilty to:
- 191.5(a) – Gross vehicular manslaughter
- VC 12500(a) – Unlicensed driver
Special Allegations:
- VC 20001(c) – Fleeing the scene of the crime
- PC 1192.8(a) – Serious felony
- CRC 4.421(a)(1) – The crime involved great violence
