Summer Wheaton, the young woman accused in the fatal July 4th accident on Pacific Coast Highway resulting in the traffic death of ride-share driver Martin Okeke, surrendered to authorities at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s station today. Wheaton, a micro-social influencer, turned herself in after an arrest warrant was issued seven months after the fatal accident. The young woman only spent a few hours behind bars and then was released from custody after posting a $250,000 bond.
Wheaton was booked for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, CA Penal Code 191.5 (a). This charge requires prosecutors to prove gross negligence. She was also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury and driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or above causing bodily injury. Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated is a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison, unless the defendant has prior DUI convictions, which can increase the penalty to 15 years to life.
