Published: March 11, 2008 05:50 pm      

Manslaughter charges pending in fatal accident

From staff reports



BEAUMONT — A 40-year-old Beaumont man is facing intoxication manslaughter charges after a one-car collision Monday night on Cardinal Drive.

According to Beaumont Police officers, the driver of a black Nissan Titan was traveling at a high rate of speed shortly after 11 p.m. Monday when his vehicle made contact with the curb. The Titan then left the roadway and began to roll — finally coming to rest just east of Fourth Street.

The 40-year-old driver was transported to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital for treatment to injuries sustained in the crash. He is currently listed in stable condition.

The passenger, later identified at Leonardo Benitez, 27, was ejected from the vehicle. Benitez was transported also to St. Elizabeth for treatment by Beaumont EMS. He died at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday of severe brain trauma he sustained during the accident.

BPD is seeking intoxication manslaughter charges against the driver of the vehicle