Porterville Man Convicted of DUI, Killing Baby
Late yesterday afternoon in Department 17 of the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center, a jury found Timothy McDarment, age 51, guilty of DUI murder that took the life of a one-year-old child and injured two adult women. McDarment was convicted of second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, felony hit and run resulting in death or injury, and misdemeanor driving on a suspended license. The jury also found true special allegations that McDarment fled the scene of the crime and that he caused injury to more than one victim.
McDarment possesses three prior DUI convictions from 2000, 2010, and 2015, with the last two convictions handed down in Inyo County. McDarment was still on probation from his most recent conviction when the crime occurred.
Just after 5 pm on June 19, 2017, McDarment was driving at a high rate of speed in the area of Springville Ave. and Doyle St. east of Porterville when he attempted to pass the victims’ car on the left by crossing over the solid double yellow lines. As the victims were beginning a legal left hand turn into a private driveway, McDarment’s Jeep struck the smaller car, crushing it and sending it spinning. McDarment fled the scene on foot but was followed by bystanders and taken into custody by the California Highway Patrol. All three victims were transported to Sierra View District Hospital where the one-year-old was pronounced deceased. Two adult females also sustained injuries, one of which required extensive surgery and recovery. Investigation showed that McDarment had a .13% BAC two hours after the crash.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 16, 2019, where McDarment faces up to 22 years-to-life in prison.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Sean Sangree of the Crimes against Children Division and was investigated by Officer Jacob Paschall of the California Highway Patrol.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Robert Dempsie (559) 636-5494