New charges filed against driver in fatal crash in Rohnert Park

Prosecutors added robbery and car theft allegations Wednesday to the case against a Santa Rosa man already charged with murder in a suspected drunken-driving crash that left his passenger dead.|
PAUL PAYNE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Prosecutors added robbery and car theft allegations Wednesday to the case against a Santa Rosa man already charged with murder in a suspected drunken-driving crash that left his passenger dead.

Rafael Prieto-Gonzalez, 23, faces a life prison term if convicted in the Feb. 28 death of Abel Acosta, 44, of St. Helena.

Police said Prieto-Gonzalez was under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he lost control of his car on Commerce Boulevard in Rohnert Park and crashed into a tree. He was charged with murder because of a previous drunken-driving conviction.

On Wednesday, prosecutor Craig Brooks added two additional felonies, alleging Prieto-Gonzalez stole the car earlier that night from someone at a Santa Rosa pool hall. Brooks said Prieto-Gonzalez also stole the man’s wallet.

Prieto-Gonzalez pleaded not guilty to the new counts. His preliminary hearing is Friday.

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