Man accused of killing Long Beach student

A man accused of causing the fiery crash that killed a Cal State Long Beach student is on trial for the student’s death.

Downey resident Kenneth John McNair, 22, began trial Monday for the death of 20-year-old Jose Pacheco after allegedly crashing into Pacheco’s car Nov. 16, 2008.

McNair is charged with one felony of vehicular manslaughter by unlawful act with gross negligence while intoxicated and one misdemeanor count of driving without a valid license with a sentencing enhancement for fleeing the scene of a crime.

He pleaded not guilty in March and is in custody at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange. McNair’s maximum sentence is 15 years to life in prison.

McNair drank at his house with a friend before taking a taxi cab to a local bar the night of the accident, according to a news release from the Orange County district attorney’s office. He then took a cab home, but is accused of getting into his Honda sedan and driving to Sharkeez in Huntington Beach, where he had more drinks.

McNair then allegedly drove almost 90 mph on Goldenwest Street as he and a friend left the bar at 1:30 a.m. As McNair approached the intersection of Edinger Avenue and Goldenwest, he crashed into Pacheco’s Ford Mustang and sideswiped another car waiting at the red light, according to the news release.

Pacheco’s car was pushed across the intersection and burst into flames. Police and witnesses were unable to rescue him, and he died of his injuries.

McNair, accused of fleeing on foot, was arrested by Huntington Beach Police one block away.

Almost two hours after the crash, authorities said, McNair had a blood-alcohol level of .25%, more than three times the legal limit.

— Britney Barnes