Santa Maria, CA (April 1, 2025) – A Santa Maria man has been identified as the motorcyclist who was killed in a suspected DUI collision Friday evening. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Bureau confirmed the victim as 55-year-old William Batiste Jr.
Incident Details: The fatal crash occurred around 5:00 p.m. in the 1900 block of South College Drive. According to the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD), Batiste was riding his motorcycle northbound when a vehicle exited a parking lot and entered the roadway. The motorcycle collided with the car, causing Batiste to sustain significant injuries. Emergency crews transported Batiste to Marian Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as 35-year-old Ashley Elise Wallace of Santa Maria, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Police allege that Wallace was under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash. She was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail. The SMPD’s Traffic Unit continues investigating and encourages anyone with information to contact them.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Authorities have indicated that impairment contributed to this tragic crash. If the ongoing investigation confirms that the driver was under the influence, she may face serious criminal charges, including felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.
The family of Mr. Batiste may also have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such a claim could provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering resulting from the preventable loss of a loved one.
Our deepest condolences to Mr. Batiste’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Source: Noozhawk