Man faces murder charge after wreck

One man died, a teen was injured and a driver who may have been impaired escaped serious injury in a crash in Madera on Sunday, Oct. 4, according to CHP Madera.

The crash resulted in a murder charge for one man.

Officials said just after 6 p.m., officers responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Road 28 ½ and Avenue 15. They learned Madera resident David Avalos Lucas, 32, was driving a 2008 Mercedez-Benz CLS550 north on Road 28 ½, approaching the intersection at Avenue 15.

At the same time Bernardo Hernandez Antonio Jr., 25, was driving a 2013 Nissan Altima west on Avenue 15, approaching the intersection at Road 28 ½. At this intersection traffic on Road 28 ½ is controlled by posted stop signs. Traffic on Avenue 15 is not controlled and has the right-of-way.

CHP said Lucas in the Mercedes failed to stop for the posted stop sign and entered the intersection directly into the path of the Nissan, at which point a crash occurred. As a result of this impact, the Mercedes overturned and crashed into a brick wall located on the northwest corner of the intersection.

Antonio, the driver of the Nissan, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.

Despite life saving measures, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

A passenger in the Nissan, age 17, was taken to Valley Children’s Hospital with minor injuries.

CHP said Lucas suffered minor injuries. CHP said alcohol was believed to have been a factor in this crash.

Lucas was arrested on scene and was booked at Madera County Jail under various charges including DUI, possession of a controlled substance and murder.