Murder Charges Filed in 2023 DUI Deaths of Mother and Daughter

District Attorney Tim Ward has announced murder charges against Blake Benham, age 43, of Dinuba, in a December 3, 2023, DUI collision that took the lives of two adults and injured others. The incident occurred at Road 56 and Avenue 430, just south of Reedley.

Benham is charged with two counts of murder, two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, two counts of driving while under the influence causing injury with a blood alcohol level over 0.15 percent, and causing great bodily injury to two additional victims, as well as causing injury to multiple victims.

Benham was arrested today by the California Highway Patrol without incident. An arraignment hearing is anticipated for this week.

If convicted, Benham faces life in prison. The case is being investigated by the CHP Visalia Area Central Division.

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