FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — James Anderson, the man accused of running a red light last Sunday at Chestnut and Nees in northeast Fresno, killing a teen, faced a judge on Wednesday via video conference.
He is charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence.
19-year-old Carson Gates was killed, and his 17-year-old girlfriend was injured in the crash.
“In this case, the defendant was under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana. He was observed going between 40-50 miles an hour through a stale red light,” said deputy district attorney Steven Ueltzen.
The debate over bail took center stage. The prosecutor said the charges and circumstances warrant a higher bond than the $93,000 suggested by the court. The judge noted she’s bound by new bail guidelines.
“Unfortunately, counsel, there is an emergency bail schedule that I am obligated to follow,” said Hon. Francine Zepeda.
“Frankly, it’s the people’s position that the court’s primary consideration for setting bail amount should be the protection of the public,” said Ueltzen.
