BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man accused of driving drunk and intentionally crashing into another vehicle has been held to answer on all charges — including murder — filed in the death of longtime Arvin educator Larry Hallum.
Marque Qualls faces a life term in prison if convicted as charged.
Judge Charles R. Brehmer found there was sufficient evidence to order Qualls to stand trial on three counts — second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and assault with a deadly weapon — following an hourslong hearing Friday.
‘It remains to be seen’: Bakersfield attorney weighs in on Zack Scrivner’s civil and criminal cases
Qualls was arrested after the Feb. 15, 2023, collision between his and Hallum’s vehicles at the intersection of Old River Road and White Lane. Court documents filed by Bakersfield police say Qualls drove drunk and told police he tried to kill himself by intentionally crashing.
Qualls had a blood-alcohol content of 0.18%, more than twice the legal limit, according to court documents and testimony at Friday’s preliminary hearing.