Dana Point, CA – A woman with prior DUI convictions has been arrested following a head-on collision in Dana Point that killed an 88-year-old man and left another driver seriously injured.
Fatal DUI Crash in Dana Point
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the crash occurred around 6:15 p.m. on Friday at the intersection of Golden Lantern Street and Stonehill Drive. Authorities reported that Serene Francie Rosenberg, 48, was driving a Land Rover SUV westbound on Stonehill Drive when she allegedly ran a red left-turn signal, colliding head-on with a Ford Transit van traveling eastbound.
Emergency responders pronounced Melvin Joseph Weibel, 88, dead at the scene. The van’s driver sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.
DUI Suspect with Prior Convictions
Deputies determined that Rosenberg was under the influence at the time of the crash. Authorities confirmed that she had three prior DUI convictions, leading to her arrest on charges of murder and DUI causing injury. She was booked into the Orange County Jail, where she is being held pending further legal proceedings.
Investigation & Public Assistance
The Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation. Officials urge witnesses or anyone with information to contact the Traffic Bureau at (949) 425-1860. Anonymous tips can be submitted via Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.
Legal Consequences for Repeat DUI Offenders
Under California law, drivers with prior DUI convictions who cause a fatal crash can face murder charges. The state’s “Watson Advisement” warns repeat DUI offenders that driving under the influence can result in homicide charges if it leads to a fatal accident.
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