David Alvarado is accused of driving under the influence in May when he crashed into a car at a red light on Highway 41 and Manning Avenue in Fresno County.
The impact killed 65-year-old Mary Hardin. Her husband, 69-year-old Paul Hardin, was hospitalized in critical condition before being taken off life support days later.
Alvarado’s attorney asked the judge Thursday to reduce his bail from over $2 million down to $50,000, a price his family can afford.
“My client is unable to complete any additional acts of violence towards the particular victims in this case because, unfortunately, they are deceased,” says Brendan Bergh, Alvarado’s Defense Attorney.
The District Attorney fired back, saying that the argument defies both logic and reason.
“The only reason this defendant does not pose risk to the victim is because he already killed both of them,” says Steven Ueltzen, Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.
The Hardins had just moved to the Central Valley as church missionaries months before the tragic crash. Their family cried for justice days after they were killed.