SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Thursday Update:
The Yolo County District Attorney has filed a criminal complaint against the man accused of driving under the influence, causing a crash that recently killed two parents.
Gabriel Rhythm Poletti, 27, now faces murder charges due to a previous DUI conviction from 2016. In the state of California, if a person has been convicted of a DUI and commits another DUI, which results in another person's death, that individual may be charged with murder, according to the Yolo County District Attorney's Office.
Poletti faces a slew of charges, including
- Two charges of Murder with enhancements for infliction of great bodily injury and infliction of great bodily injury upon a child under five years of age.
- Two charges of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated with a Prior DUI Conviction with enhancements for infliction of great bodily injury, infliction of great bodily injury upon a child under five years of age, and causing bodily injury or death to multiple victims.
- One charge of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Injury with enhancements for infliction of great bodily injury, infliction of great bodily injury upon a child under five years of age, causing bodily injury or death to multiple victims, suffering a prior DUI conviction within the past ten years, and for having a blood alcohol content over 0.15%.
- One charge of Driving at 0.08% BAC or Above Causing Injury, with enhancements for infliction of great bodily injury, infliction of great bodily injury upon a child under five years of age, causing bodily injury or death to multiple victims, suffering a prior DUI conviction within the past ten years, and for having a blood alcohol content over 0.15%.
Original Story:
West Sacramento police have arrested a man who was previously convicted of driving under the influence for the crash that recently killed two parents.
According to a Facebook post from the West Sacramento Police Department, 27-year-old Gabriel Poletti, of Elk Grove, was the only adult who survived the deadly crash on Monday, Feb. 15. Officers say he was arrested while at a family member's home Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Poletti has been charged with two counts of murder and two counts of driving under the influence causing injury.
The crash occurred just after 11:30 p.m. near Jefferson Boulevard and Locks Drive. Rasul Afzili, 37, and his wife, Anila Afzili, 29, were killed. Their two children were also car at the time of the crash and sustained minor injuries. The family was driving home after celebrating their father's birthday.
Poletti was also taken to a hospital at the time of the crash with serious injuries.
“My family is relieved to hear that there has been an arrest made in this heinous crime. We are hoping that justice will prevail, so that our family will be at peace. We as a family unit are going to raise these beautiful, sweet and innocent children, so that they will remember their parents through stories and their love.” said, Rasul’s brother, Quaseem Afzili in a statement.
West Sacramento Police believe Poletti was driving under the influence when the crash occurred. Officers say he has a prior conviction for driving under the influence in 2016. He has been booked into the Yolo County Jail.
“The family is very appreciative for all of the love and support.” said, Nicole Curran, a neighbor and family friend. “They want the community to be reminded how dangerous it is to drink and drive and are asking the community to pray for them."
West Sacramento Police say the investigation is still active. Anyone with information is asked to call police dispatch at (916) 372-3375.
The driver, who is suspected of causing the crash that killed a couple, is believed to have been under the influence. The children are in the hospital without parents.
