Murrieta, CA (May 15, 2024) – A collision on Wednesday evening in Murrieta led to the death of a local woman and injuries to another person. The crash resulted in the arrest of Temecula man on suspicion of driving under the influence and causing the fatal incident.
Incident Overview: Late Wednesday night, at around 11:47 p.m., the Murrieta Police Department was alerted to a two-vehicle collision on Hancock Avenue, just south of Parkcrest Drive. According to a preliminary investigation, 29-year-old Anthony Scott of Temecula was driving along Hancock Avenue when he veered into the opposite lane, colliding head-on with another vehicle. Belinda Baliton, a 73-year-old resident of Murrieta, was a passenger in the vehicle struck by Scott’s car. She was critically injured in the accident and rushed to Inland Valley Hospital in Wildomar, where she was later pronounced dead. The driver of Baliton’s vehicle was also severely injured, requiring emergency surgery, but is expected to survive.
Investigation and Legal Implications: Anthony Scott was subjected to a DUI test by Murrieta police officers at the scene, which confirmed his intoxication. He was arrested and booked into Southwest Detention Center early Thursday morning on charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury/death — both felonies. His bail was set at $75,000, which he posted, leading to his release from jail on Thursday. While the driver was released from jail, it’s important to remember that the family of the deceased victim, as well as the surviving victim, could also consider pursuing a wrongful death and personal injury claim. This is separate from any criminal case and is solely focused on compensation for the losses of the victims.
I extend my sincerest condolences to the family of Belinda Baliton following this crash. I also wish the other victim a swift and thorough recovery.
Source: Patch