News Summary
Antonio Calixtonavarrete has been convicted of second-degree murder in connection with a DUI crash that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Isadora Stabel. The incident occurred when Calixtonavarrete ran a red light while under the influence of alcohol, leading to a collision that killed Stabel, who was a passenger in another vehicle. Prosecutors were able to elevate charges due to Calixtonavarrete’s previous DUI offenses. This case has sparked community discussions on the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of road safety.
Irvine, California – Antonio Calixtonavarrete, a 45-year-old man, was found guilty of second-degree murder and other charges related to a fatal DUI crash that claimed the life of 20-year-old Isadora Stabel. The verdict was delivered on June 10, following a trial where evidence indicated that Calixtonavarrete was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
The tragic accident occurred on August 22, 2020, around 8:45 p.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Culver Drive. Stabel was a passenger in a Hyundai Elantra driven by Theodore Guyot, who was attempting to accelerate through a yellow traffic signal. According to prosecutors, Calixtonavarrete failed to stop at a red light, leading to a collision that resulted in Stabel’s death.
Prosecutors were able to elevate the charges against Calixtonavarrete to murder due to his history of DUI offenses. He had previously been convicted of a misdemeanor DUI and hit-and-run on February 20, 2019. Moreover, his blood-alcohol content was recorded at 0.184 approximately seven hours after the crash, significantly exceeding the legal limit of 0.08%. Witness testimony and traffic signal evidence indicated that he ran the red light, as there was no indication he had a green light at the time of the crash.
Calixtonavarrete’s defense, led by attorney Nicholas Valk, argued that his client was incorrectly charged and contended that he was not driving the vehicle during the incident. The defense suggested that another passenger, Jesus Mendoza, who had also been drinking with Calixtonavarrete, was behind the wheel at the time of the collision. Mendoza had an extensive criminal background, including being on parole for felony gang-related vandalism and allegedly fled the scene following the crash.
In addition, the defense presented arguments that questioned Calixtonavarrete’s ability to drive, given his high level of intoxication and the distance he would have had to travel before crashing. Despite these claims, the prosecution maintained that the weight of the testimony and the crash evidence pointed to Calixtonavarrete’s guilt, emphasizing that he bore responsibility for Stabel’s death.
The crash raised significant concerns within the community about DUI-related incidents. The legal ramifications of intoxicated driving, especially in cases leading to fatalities, underscore the critical need for public awareness surrounding the dangers associated with such behavior. The decision to impose a murder charge reflects an ongoing effort by prosecutors to implement strict measures against repeat DUI offenders and to seek justice for victims and their families.
The tragic loss of Stabel has resonated throughout Irvine, prompting discussions on enhancing road safety and preventing DUI incidents. Authorities continue to advocate for responsible driving practices as they remember the impact of this devastating event.
As the case concludes, Calixtonavarrete is expected to face significant penalties as a result of his convictions, both as a consequence of his actions that led to the crash and in consideration of his prior alcohol-related offenses.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the life-altering consequences of driving under the influence and the importance of adhering to road safety laws.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Man Convicted of Murder in Irvine DUI Crash
- My News LA: Man Convicted of Fatal DUI Crash in Irvine
- OC Register: Convicted DUI Driver Pleads Guilty to Irvine Crash
- CBS News: Wrong Way Driver Dies Following Head-on Crash in Irvine
- OC Register: OC Man with Previous DUI Convictions Gets 15 to Life
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
- Google Search: DUIs and Public Health
- Google Scholar: Impact of DUI Crashes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drunk Driving
- Google News: DUI Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
