On July 12, 2015 at approximately 6:10 a.m., Los Banos police officers were dispatched to the intersection of Santa Rita Avenue and D Street for a rollover traffic collision with injuries reported. Two vehicles were involved in the collision and a third vehicle was determined to be a contributing factor.
Officers learned two vehicles, a blue 2008 Saturn Astra, driven by Marcus Perez-Negrete, 20, and a gray 2012 Ford Focus, driven by Casey Giannone, 19, were engaged in a street race just prior to the collision. The blue Saturn ran the posted stop sign at the intersection of Santa Rita Avenue and D Street and collided with a red 2005 Chevy Aver traveling eastbound on D Street.
A 61-year-old male passenger of the red Aveo died at the scene after he was ejected from the vehicle. The driver of the red Aveo was transported to Memorial Hospital Los Banos where he was treated for moderate injuries and released.
“A combination of street racing and underage drinking led to this deadly collision. Unlike in the movies, these actions have serious real world consequences, which cost a man his life.”
- Chris Borchardt, Police Officer
A 23-year-old passenger in the Saturn Astra was transported to Memorial Hospital Los Banos with minor injuries.
Marcus Perez-Negrete, 20, of Clovis was arrested on charges of manslaughter, felony DUI, DUI under 21, speed contest, reckless driving resulting in injury, and related charges. He remains in custody at the John Latoracca Correctional Center in lieu of $404,432.00 bail. Casey Lynnmarie Giannone was arrested on charges of DUI, speed contest, reckless driving resulting in injury, unlicensed driving, and DUI under 21. Giannone was cited and released on misdemeanor charges.
