Christopher Magallon, a 25-year-old Santa Ana, pleaded guilty this Monday to a felony charge of DUI gross vehicular manslaughter in a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. It was an odd plea deal as it did not include dismissal of any charges.
Magallon killed another Santa Ana man, 20-year-old Jose Cornejo Cubias, in a terrible DUI collision that took place on April 29, 2024, on the westbound 91 Freeway, near the Interstate 15 interchange.
Riverside County Superior Court Judge Gary Polk scheduled a sentencing hearing for March 7. The prosecution and defense stipulated a prospective sentence of four years, which the judge is expected to certify. Most likely that was the heart of the plea deal as a fatal DUI collision could have resulted in a sentence of up to ten years.
Magallon was driving a Lincoln Mark LT traveling at an unconfirmed speed at about 12:30 in the morning, which was just past midnight, according to the CHP. As Magallon approached the interchange, he “veered to the right and struck the left rear” of a Toyota 4Runner.
Cubias, the victim, was drivinv the Toyota 4Runner. His vehicle flipped over and caught fire, with Cubias inside it, after Magallon’s vehicle slammed into it.
A Corona Fire Department crew arrived at the accident location very quickly, within a few minutes, and was able to extinguish the fire, which had already fully engulfed the Toyota 4Runner, in the fast lane. Cubias was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the only occupant of the vehicle.
Magallon’s Lincoln was found in the center divider, where it had come to a stop. Magallon was still in the pickup truck when the CHP officers arrested him.
Evidence was collected at the scene that confirmed that Magallon was drunk at the time of the collision.
Magallon had no prior felony convictions in Riverside County.
Cubias had a birthday coming up in May when he died in the DUI collision, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his brother Carlos, who wrote that Carlos “. He “was very funny, and so incredibly giving. He always had a big smile and always helped his loved ones in need. He was very adventurous and spontaneous. He loved nature and his people. He was born in El Salvador and the day he passed, he had just been accepted to receive a Juvenile Visa.”
Cubias’ parents remained in El Salvador.
A felony DUI conviction in California can have serious repercussions, including:
- Prison Time: Depending on the specifics of the case, you could face 16 months to 10 years in state prison12.
- Fines: You may be required to pay fines up to $10,0001.
- License Suspension: Your driver’s license could be suspended for a significant period1.
- Probation: You might be placed on probation, which includes strict conditions and regular check-ins1.
- Ignition Interlock Device: You may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for at least one year1.
- Loss of Rights: You could lose your right to own firearms and your right to vote while in prison or on parole1.
