A sailor accused of second-degree murder while allegedly driving drunk in the wrong-way freeway death of a Point Loma woman will have his preliminary hearing on Jan. 9, 2023.
The hearing for Eric Deangelo Ramos Cortez, 25, concerning the death of Sarah Lombardi was set for the Monday before the Thanksgiving holiday, but it was delayed to a more appropriate time and also because the defense requested more time to prepare.
Lombardi, 54, was driving home from work on Dec. 20, 2021, on Interstate 8 just east of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard at 11:30 p.m. when her Toyota Camry was struck by a Subaru Outback SUV driven by Ramos.
Ramos has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and driving with more than a .15 blood/alcohol limit.
Lombardi worked at Kansas City Barbecue, a downtown restaurant, for 26 years, according to her obituary. She is survived by her husband Danny Lombardi and her teenage son, Jonathan.
Ramos worked as an electrician and has been in the Navy for two years, according to court records. Ramos remains in the George Bailey Detention Facility without bail.
Two witnesses told the California Highway Patrol they saw the Subaru driving the wrong way on Interstate 8 and both called 911, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
Ramos told CHP officers he estimated he drank 5-6 beers on base before going out drinking with a Navy buddy later that night. His blood/alcohol level at the hospital was .18, which is over twice the legal limit for felony drunk driving, according to records.
“I don’t know why I got behind the wheel,” said Ramos to officers.
He said he got into an argument with his girlfriend that night and said that was the last thing he recalled before waking up in the hospital. Ramos said he did not recall being in a crash.
An investigator asked him how many “Safety Stand Downs” had he attended in the Navy, and Ramos answered “more than enough for me to do this.” He said he understood it was dangerous to drink and drive.
A Navy official said sailors are encouraged to call an on-duty driver to come to pick them up if they have consumed alcohol.
If Ramos is ordered to stand trial for murder, his jury will decide whether he is guilty or not guilty of second-degree murder or gross vehicular manslaughter, or both offenses.
