Lake County man charged with 2nd-degree murder in pedestrian crash

A Lake County man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with a September crash that killed a pedestrian in Lower Lake.

Robert Wade Hitchcock, 47, of Clearlake, was driving under the influence of methamphetamine when he struck and killed Nichole Marie Welborn, 40, also of Clearlake, as she was getting into her car, said Lake County Senior Deputy District Attorney Susan Krones. The victim was pinned between Hitchcock’s Ford F-150 and her vehicle, according to the Cailifornia Highway Patrol.

Hitchcock also is charged with vehicular manslaughter with a special allegation that he had a prior DUI, misdemeanor possession of methamphetamine, driving with a suspended license and possession of a methamphetamine pipe, Krones said.

Hitchcock was ordered to stand trial on the charges during a preliminary hearing earlier this month and arraigned on the new charges Monday, Krones said. His next court date is Nov. 15.

If convicted he faces a sentence of 15 years to life in prison, Krones said.

You can reach Staff Writer Glenda Anderson at 707-462-6473 or glenda.anderson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MendoReporter.