The president of a California mortgage lending company has been arrested on murder charges after causing a lethal accident while allegedly intoxicated, police said.
The driver, 48-year-old Serene Francie Rosenberg, was arrested for suspected DUI with three prior convictions to her name, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said.
The accident occurred on Jan. 31, at around 6:15 p.m. at the intersection of Golden Lantern and Stonehill Drive in Dana Point, roughly 60 miles south of downtown Los Angeles.
The driver of the Ford Transit van was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. An 88-year-old passenger, Melvin Joseph Weibel of Dana Point, however, did not survive the collision and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Vernon was arrested for murder and DUI causing injury, and taken to Orange County jail.“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking event and we intend to monitor the situation closely, responding with care and responsibility in accordance with our company's core values.”
“This has been a difficult time for everyone affected by this tragic event, and our hearts go out to those impacted,” said OCMBC CEO Rabi Aziz.
The company said that it will remain fully operational with no expected disruptions regarding loan processes, approvals, funding, and servicing.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s said its Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is investigating the collision.
Police said they welcome any additional information regarding the accident.
Witnesses or people with additional details regarding the collision may contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Traffic Bureau at 949-425-1860, or anonymously via Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.