Arleta Driver Charged With 2 Counts of Murder in Accident
A 34-year-old Arleta man, who authorities said was under the influence of drugs when he caused a multivehicle accident that left two people dead and four people injured, was charged Tuesday with two counts of murder.
Michael Mare Jr. was charged in Van Nuys Superior Court with the deaths of Charlotte Knowlden, 66, and her husband, James Knowlden, 69.
Four other people were treated for minor injuries in the April 17 accident at a Sepulveda intersection, authorities said.
Police said Mare was speeding west on Plummer Street in his car when he ran a red light at Sepulveda Boulevard and slammed into a pickup truck. The truck overturned, and Mare’s car struck another auto, driven by James Knowlden.
Mare was also charged Tuesday with two counts of driving under the influence of drugs and one count of reckless driving.
If convicted, Mare faces a possible sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
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