RIVERSIDE, California – A tragic incident unfolded on Interstate 15 in Corona, when a convicted felon, driving under the influence, collided with a compact SUV, resulting in the death of a 44-year-old driver. On Friday, Jorge Anival Gomez Augustin, 31, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
The plea deal, which includes a sentencing hearing scheduled for May 17 at the Riverside Hall of Justice, entails a 15-year to life term in state prison for Augustin. The incident occurred when Augustin’s Mercedes-Benz E-350 struck the rear of Tommy Chu’s Honda CRV on northbound I-15 at Weirick Road in the early hours of February 12, 2022.
Tragically, Chu was pronounced dead at the scene, with Augustin taken into custody after failing a field sobriety test conducted by California Highway Patrol officers. The defendant has a prior conviction for possession of a sawed-off shotgun. The vehicles involved in the crash came to a rest near the exit ramp following the initial impact.
With no bail set, Augustin remains held at the Robert Presley Jail. Despite the plea agreement, no charges were dropped, indicating the severity of the situation. The community mourns the loss of Tommy Chu, as legal proceedings continue to unfold in Riverside County.
The California Highway Patrol elaborated on the details of the crash, highlighting the dangerous consequences of driving under the influence. The guilty plea from Augustin serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of impaired driving on individuals and communities. As the case progresses through the justice system, the memory of Tommy Chu serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of responsible and safe driving practices. The sentencing hearing on May 17 will bring closure and justice to a tragic situation that has left a lasting impact on all those involved.