Matthew Engwall pleaded not guilty to felony counts vehicular
manslaughter and driving under the influence Tuesday, stemming from
an alcohol-related car accident that killed Hollister resident Adam
Baxter last month.
Hollister – Matthew Engwall pleaded not guilty to felony counts vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence Tuesday, stemming from an alcohol-related car accident that killed Hollister resident Adam Baxter last month.
Engwall and his attorney, Bud Landreth, appeared before Judge Steven Sanders in a quick arraignment hearing where he waived his rights to a speedy preliminary hearing, which will be held next month. Engwall is charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence, and two counts of driving under the influence causing death, all felonies.
A group of family members gathered around the 21-year-old San Juan Bautista resident after the hearing where Landreth explained what had just happened and what to expect next.
Engwall declined comment about the incident that took the life of his best friend or his plea of not guilty.
“This is overwhelming for them,” Landreth said. “Both families are devastated from this terrible tragedy – these were close friends.”
Engwall, who is facing a maximum of 10 years in prison and a minimum of one year in the county jail, retained Landreth Tuesday morning. The Salinas-based lawyer said he wasn’t versed on the details of the case yet, but that it’s common for defendants to plead not guilty at the arraignment to make the prosecution work to prove its case and the counts charged. He said that because of the tragic circumstances, he will work to get the best deal possible for the ex-San Benito High School student.
“At the appropriate time we will discuss a possible plea,” Landreth said. “I will actively pursue any avenue of settlement available to me in respect to the victim’s family.”
District Attorney John Sarsfield said Tuesday it’s too early to make any decisions about how the case will proceed.
Baxter, 20, was killed after being thrown through the windshield of Engwall’s 1997 Ford Thunderbird when the car drifted into a ditch in the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 2 and overturned, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Baxter was not wearing his seat belt and was taken by helicopter to Stanford Medical Center where he died a short time later. Engwall was wearing his seat belt and only suffered minor cuts and bruises.
Baxter’s family rallied around Engwall in the days after the crash and have continued to be as supportive as possible, according to Landreth. The Baxter family was unavailable for comment Tuesday.
Engwall will be back in court on March 16 at 1:30pm for a preliminary hearing, which is held to determine if a person charged with a felony should be tried for the crime based on the evidence.
Erin Musgrave covers public safety for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or em*******@fr***********.com
