Guilty Verdict in 2024 DUI Vehicular Manslaughter

Late in the afternoon of February 6, 2026, in Department 4 of the Tulare County Superior Court, TCDA prosecutors secured a guilty verdict against Saul Saldana Armenta, age 22, for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

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.

At trial, a Tulare County jury convicted Saldana Armenta of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated with the aggravating circumstance that the crime involved great bodily harm or threat of great bodily harm. After the verdict, Salanda Armenta was immediately remanded into custody. Saldana Armenta did not possess any prior criminal history.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2026, in Superior Court. According to current California sentencing laws, Saldana Armenta faces up to a decade in state prison.

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