An Australian racing driver accused of killing two people in a head-on crash in the United States could return home after a judge offered him a plea deal.
Luke Nardini, 31, of Western Australia, was traveling on Highway 84 near La Honda, a forested mountain area 50 kilometers south of San Francisco, when his white BMW M4 collided with a gray Ford Taurus shortly after 5 o’clock. in the afternoon of September 1 of last year.
The racer was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road while taking a sharp, blind curve when he collided head-on with the other vehicle.
The back seat passengers, local couple Jack and Linda Davis, both in their 80s, died from their injuries.
Nardini appeared before California Judge Susan Jakubowski on Tuesday morning local time and was accompanied in court by his mother Cheryle Nardini.
Race driver Luke Nardini was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road near La Honda, a forested mountain area 50 kilometers south of San Francisco, when he collided head-on with another vehicle last September.
Couple Jack and Linda Davis (pictured), both in their 80s, died in the crash just minutes from their home in San Mateo County.
Judge Jakubowksi offered the 31-year-old man a maximum sentence of one year in county jail if he pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor murder.
He was given until Thursday morning to make a decision on whether to accept the plea.
Nardini told the court he needed to speak to his father Leo, who was still in Australia, before making a decision.
The maximum prison sentence Nardini would likely face under California sentencing laws would be six months.
However, the judge could also award Nardini the sentence already served, meaning he could not possibly serve any additional prison time after being in custody since September.
San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe did not oppose the plea offer but expected Nardini to be jailed.
‘There have to be consequences. “Two people died,” said Wagstaffe, the Western Australia reported.
It is understood Nardini crossed into the wrong lane due to road works before colliding head-on with the Ford SUV.
The terrible accident occurred just a few minutes from the four passengers’ home. in San Mateo County.
A California judge has offered Nardini a maximum sentence of one year in county jail if he pleads guilty to two counts of misdemeanor murder.
The 31-year-old man, who remains in a California jail since the crash, has until Thursday to decide whether to accept the plea deal.
Police said speed and alcohol did not contribute to the crash.
Nardini has continually shown his remorse and said in October last year that the accident “was an accident” and that he “regrets everything.”
Along with the criminal accusation, he also faces two civil lawsuits filed by the victims’ relatives.
Nardini will face Judge Jakubowski on April 4, where he is expected to present his decision on the plea agreement.
Last year, Nardini’s mother made a desperate plea to friends and family urging them to write testimonials about their son’s character so their lawyer could present them in court.
“If anyone could provide an opinion on how they know Luke and his character so that his attorneys can use it in court, our family would be eternally grateful,” Ms. Nardini wrote.
“Could you please comment on this post so we can take a screenshot for their lawyers?”
