Court Sentences Wrong Way DUI Driver to Four Years in State Prison for Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while Intoxicated

Yesterday in Department 4 of the Tulare County Superior Court, the court sentenced Saul Saldana Armenta, age 22, to four years in state prison, the minimum state prison sentence under the law, for killing a man while driving the wrong way on Highway 99 while intoxicated.

Under California law, this crime is punishable by a minimum of 4 years, a midterm of 6 years, and a maximum of 10 years in state prison. After Armenta’s felony conviction by jury trial in February 2026, the Tulare County Probation Department recommended the midterm sentence of 6 years. As the jury found true an aggravating factor that the crime involved great bodily harm or threat of great bodily harm, Armenta was eligible for the maximum sentence. At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors argued that only the midterm and maximum sentences be considered by the court.  

Around 3:11 am on April 24, 2024, Saldana Armenta was driving the wrong direction in the #1 (fast) lane on Highway 99 near Betty Drive in Goshen. While traveling southbound in the northbound lane in his Dodge Charger, he collided head-on with the male victim in his Honda Civic. The victim, a 21-year-old engaged-to-be-married electrician on his way to work, died at the scene.

Saldana Armenta displayed several signs of intoxication and was taken to the hospital where he went into surgery. Testing revealed his BAC was at .21%. Prior to being charged, Saldana Armenta posted bail and was out of custody for his trial. He was remanded into custody after his guilty verdict.

The case was investigated by the California Highway Patrol.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494