Alleged Drunk Driver Facing Murder Charge
Prosecutors filed a murder charge against twice-convicted drunk driver accused of killing a 22-year-old Westminster man Monday while driving under the influence, police said Friday.
Steven Edward Schumacher, 38, a former Seal Beach resident who now lives in Fountain Valley, ran a red light at Ellis Avenue and Bushard Street early Monday and crashed into a passing Honda, Fountain Valley police said. Roberto Ferrer, seated in the back seat of the Honda, died from the accident.
Schumacher was arrested Monday on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and drunk driving, but now faces the more serious charge of murder.
According to court records, Schumacher was convicted of drunk driving in 1985 and 1991. Since 1991, he has failed to complete court-ordered drunk-driving programs.
He is being held at the Orange County Jail in lieu of $250,000 bail and is expected to be arraigned Monday at West County Municipal Court.
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