A murder charge has been filed against an alleged drunken motorist who made a U-turn on Morena Boulevard and killed a La Jolla waiter on his way home from work on his motorcycle.
Initially, Jeremy Salcedo, 26, of San Diego, was charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in the death of Bryan Delaney, who was injured July 25 and died at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla on Aug. 3. It is also alleged that he fled the scene. He is also charged with driving with a suspended license after a drunk driving conviction.
Deputy District Attorney Geoff Allard said on Sept. 12 that the murder charge was filed after his office reviewed Salcedo’s three prior convictions for drunk driving in San Bernardino County, one in 2006 and two in 2013.
Allard said recidivist drunk drivers are made aware they could be faced with a murder charge if they get into another crash while they are intoxicated and someone is killed.
Salcedo posted $100,000 bond after the vehicular manslaughter charge, but the bail increased to $500,000 when the murder charge was added. Court records show Salcedo posted the $500,000 bond.
Delaney, 36, who reportedly worked at George’s at the Cove at the time of his death, served three years in the Navy. He was buried in Andover, New Hampshire, where his parents and other family members live.
Salcedo has pleaded not guilty to all charges in San Diego Superior Court. A preliminary hearing has been set for Nov. 18.
–Neal Putnam