A Moreno Valley man who had two pending DUI cases was allegedly under the influence of a drug when he crashed head-on with another car in San Jacinto earlier this week, leaving the other driver dead and himself injured, authorities said.
Darell James Leroy Davis, 34, was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 22, on suspicion of murder, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. He remained hospitalized.
The collision on State Street and Quandt Ranch Road was reported to deputies shortly before 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20.
The suspect veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with another vehicle, a department statement said, adding “information obtained at the scene indicated drug impairment was a factor in the collision.”
Javier Lopez Montes, 48, of Hemet died at the scene, officials said.
Previously, Davis was arrested on Nov. 13, 2024, by the California Highway Patrol and charged Jan. 8 with driving under the influence and driving under the influence of alcohol and drug, court records show. Both charges are misdemeanors.
The other prior case stems from an Oct. 15, 2024, arrest by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Davis was subsequently charged for misdemeanor driving under the influence of a drug.
Lopez left behind a wife and four children, according to a GoFundMe created to raise money for funeral expenses, food and other needs.
“This feels like a dream to us, but it is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of our father, who was 48 years old, and lost his life in a car accident on January 20th, 2025,” organizers wrote. “This unimaginable loss has not only left a profound emotional void but also created significant financial challenges.”
