Roberto Vellanoweth is serving an 18-year prison sentence for the March 26, 2007 killing of four people while driving under the influence.  The Sacramento man, obviously distraught about the sentence, decided to point the finger elsewhere—at the restaurant that served him drinks. In the lawsuit, Vellanoweth contends that he went to the Camino Real Restaurant and asked for a “kamikaze virgin” which he thought did not contain alcohol. At the scene of the accident, officials analyzed his blood alcohol level at 0.16 percent which is twice the states legal driving limit.

Vellanoweth admitted to having three martinis’ prior to the visit to the restaurant. He was convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. The lawsuit that was filed in Yolo County Superior Court, stated that the Camino Real “had an obligation not to surreptitiously include alcohol in the punch… without his knowledge or consent.”

As sketchy as this case may be there are many tragic factors that  make it surreal in many ways. Still, the fact remains that the man had consumed three alcoholic beverages prior to going to the restaurant and they could have hampered him in some way as well. Whatever the case, four people died in a DUI related incident and their loved ones were left to grieve and mourn.  No matter the circumstance surrounding a DUI case, family members can bring charges against the individual, or establishment, that caused injury or death to a family member.  If a similar incident has happened to you or someone you care about, seek legal action. Obtain a free consultation to learn more about wrongful death lawsuits and get financial reparation for your tragic loss.

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