DRIVER ORDERED TO STAND TRIAL FOR CRASH THAT KILLED WIFE

San Marcos man accused of DUI in Carlsbad incident

A San Marcos man accused of driving drunk and slamming his car into a traffic pole in Carlsbad, killing his wife, was ordered Wednesday to stand trial on murder and other charges.

Authorities say Santos Ramos Hernandez, 39, was driving without a license at the time of the crash, on Sept. 15, 2019, that killed Cecilia Ramos, 41.

According to testimony at his preliminary hearing in Vista Superior Court, Ramos’ license had been suspended after a 2017 drunken driving conviction in San Bernardino County. With that prior conviction, prosecutors say the crash was seconddegree murder.

Carlsbad police Officer Jeff Wolf testified that the crash at Aviara Parkway and Cobblestone Road left the car nearly split in half. A witness estimated the vehicle was traveling around 80 mph before the wreck.

Wolf testified that two blood draws taken shortly after the crash showed Ramos had a blood-alcohol level ranging from .15 to .16 percent — about double the legal limit of .08 percent to drive in California.

The officer also testified that a beer bottle was found in the center console of the vehicle.

In addition to murder, Ramos faces felony charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury, and misdemeanor charges of driving while his license was suspended and driving without a license.

He remains in custody without bail pending a March 3 readiness conference.