Manslaughter charges weighed for Petaluma man in girlfriend's DUI crash death

Prosecutors asked for more time Thursday to decide whether to bring manslaughter charges against a Petaluma man who is alleged to have run over his girlfriend after a night of drinking.

Kyle Turek, 28, was free on bail as he appeared in a Santa Rosa courtroom in the case involving the early Saturday death of Emily Drew, 27, also of Petaluma.

The CHP said Turek was driving behind Drew in Penngrove at about 12:20 a.m. when Drew crashed, was ejected and was struck by Turek’s car. Turek was booked on suspicion of manslaughter and drunken driving. He was later released after posting a $100,000 bond.

Prosecutors said they were awaiting a final crash report from the CHP to determine what, if any, charges Turek should face. Judge Arthur Wick ordered Turek to return to court June 20.

Turek made no comment as he left court but his lawyer, Andy Martinez, said the investigation would determine, among other things, whether Drew died of injuries from being ejected from her Toyota Rav4 or from being run over by Turek’s Honda Fit. Also, investigators would determine speeds the two cars were traveling as well as how far apart they were.

Martinez said the couple had been dating about two months.

“I haven’t discussed the case with him yet,” Martinez said. “He’s very fragile.”

The CHP said Drew was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash on Davis Lane, south of East Railroad Avenue.

Both had been drinking, officers said. Blood-alcohol levels were not released.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.