Ex-Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer to be arraigned for vehicular manslaughter
Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer will be arraigned later today (26 September) for vehicular manslaughter.
Klinghoffer, who has also performed with acts such as Jane’s Addiction, Pearl Jam, Iggy Pop and Morrissey, was previously sued for wrongful death and negligence after allegedly running over and hitting a pedestrian.
READ MORE: “No one knew of his secret superpowers at the time”: Red Hot Chili Peppers producer explains what made John Frusciante stand out
According to reports in both Variety and TMZ, the lawsuit filed by the family of Israel Sanchez, 47, alleges that Klinghoffer allegedly hit him in his SUV while he was crossing the street in Alhambra, California, on 18 March. The suit also alleges that Klinghoffer was on his phone while driving. Sanchez died later from his injuries.
Per Deadline, Klinghoffer will enter his plea today at the Alhambra courthouse on a misdemeanour charge of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 03: Multi-instrumentalist Josh Klinghoffer of Pluralone performs live on stage at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on May 03, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Jim Bennett/Getty Images)
In a statement shared to Pitchfork in July, Klinghoffer’s lawyer, Andrew B. Brettler, said: “This was a tragic accident. After the car struck the pedestrian, Josh immediately pulled over, stopped the vehicle, called 911, and waited until police and the ambulance arrived. He is fully cooperating with the traffic investigation.”
The Sanchez family lawyer, Nick Rowley, claimed to Variety that they “have a video of him on his cell phone at the time he hit and killed Israel Sanchez.”
He continued: “Israel Sanchez was on his way to the grocery store to make soup for his family and never came home. He did everything right, looking for oncoming traffic and abiding by pedestrian signage, but tragically Mr. Klinghoffer, in a rush and on his phone, hit him fatally from behind with a large SUV. The loss and grief that the Sanchez family now faces is immense. We will not stop until there is accountability and justice for Mr. Sanchez and his family.”
Klinghoffer played guitar with Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019, after which he was replaced by long-time member John Frusciante.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
