FRESNO (KMJ) — The man alleged to have caused a fatal DUI crash in Selma on Saturday, killing an eight-year-old boy, has returned to Fresno County Jail.
Records show Karmjit Singh left the custody of Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday evening due to charges being dropped. Fresno based attorney Jeff Hammerschmidt, who is in contact with the victim’s parents, said the 35 year old suspect had been transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Hammerschmidt revealed that the DUI murder charge is preferred as it carries a higher sentence, but prosecutors need confirmation that the suspect was drunk behind the wheel at the time of the crash.
“My understanding is the suspect has a prior DUI and when they plead to a DUI they’re advised that being under the influence of alcohol and driving is an inherently dangerous act and if they continue to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs or both, and as a result of that driving they kill someone, they can be charged with murder.”
The enhanced charge is known as a “Watson Murder,” in reference to the case People v. Watson.
“If they filed the lesser charge and the then defendant knew he was under the influence of alcohol, he could then plead guilty at the arraignment and the DA’s office would be precluded from going forward on the murder charges at a later time.”
CHP confirmed Wednesday evening that the suspect had returned to Fresno County Jail on charges of murder and driving on a suspended license.
Karmjit Singh’s arrest came following the fatal crash on Saturday, east of Selma. CHP said he ran a stop sign and was traveling at more than 100 mph before slamming into the passenger side of the vehicle the victim was in. The young boy was later pronounced dead in the hospital.
Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement were unable to comment.
A link to the family’s GoFundMe page can be found clicking here.
Hear the original report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
