COUNTYWIDE : Woman Convicted in Camper’s Death

An Ojai woman was found guilty Wednesday of driving while intoxicated and causing the death of a 20-year-old Oxnard man at the Lake Casitas campground in August.

Tracey Rene Moore, 21, faces up to five years and eight months in prison when she is sentenced May 17 by Ventura County Superior Court Judge Lawrence Storch.

Moore showed no emotion.

The parents and sister of the victim, Anthony Tinoco, lowered their heads. Later, they said they were pleased with the verdict.

“I hope it discourages anyone who drinks and drives,” said Carmen Tinoco, the dead man’s mother.

Anthony Tinoco was staying at the campground with friends Aug. 10 when they befriended Moore and other campers from Ojai.

About 1 a.m., Moore agreed to take one of her friends home but got lost trying to find the exit to the campground, Deputy Dist. Atty. James P. Cloninger said. Tinoco and two of his friends jumped into the back of the pickup truck Moore was driving and were going to show her how to get out.

Moore lost control of the truck on a sharp curve and the three men in back were ejected, Cloninger said. Tinoco died of head injuries, and three other passengers were injured.

Moore said the accident occurred when she was momentarily distracted by the men in back. Her attorney, Deputy Public Defender Zane Smith, also presented evidence that Moore did not show signs of intoxication.

But Cloninger presented test results showing that Moore’s blood alcohol content was 0.09% three hours after the accident. A driver with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% is considered intoxicated under the law.