Fatal crash nets a murder charge

A 17-year-old driver who was allegedly drunk and speeding more than 100 mph when he crashed a car, killing a teenage passenger, was charged with murder Wednesday. Milad Mouyali was indicted by the Orange County Grand Jury and will be tried as an adult. He is being held on $1-million bail.

According to the Orange County district attorney’s office, Mouyali had consumed “several” alcoholic drinks Aug. 28 at a party at his house.

About 2:40 a.m., he drove Mackenzie Frazee, 16, home in a Mercedes-Benz. Prosecutors said his learner’s permit had been suspended the day before but did not say why. They said he was driving between 102 and 112 mph on Newport Avenue in Tustin when he lost control of the car and crashed into a light pole.

The vehicle split in two, and the front part of the car caught fire. Frazee suffered blunt-force trauma and was pronounced dead at Western Medical Center. Mouyali was treated for minor cuts and bruises, prosecutors said. His blood alcohol level was reported at 0.11%. He was charged with one felony count of murder and one misdemeanor count of driving without a license. He faces up to 15 years to life in prison if convicted.

-- H.G. Reza