SAN DIEGO – On Monday, a La Jolla man pleaded not guilty to charges in a hit-and-run accident due to which a pedestrian in Del Mar died.
41-year-old Christopher Stockmeyer was arrested after a judge raised his bail. Stockmeyer is accused of being under the influence when he hit and killed UC San Diego PhD student Rachel Morrison on 28th of March. The victim was a 27-year-old Encinitas woman who was the student at the UCSD Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
Stockmeyer ran a stop sign and hit Morrison, who was walking with friends in a crosswalk, then fled the accident spot, said police.
Police found Stockmeyer after seeing his license plate at the accident spot. Police estimate his BAC level to be around 0.24% when the accident happened, said prosecutor Ken Watanabe.
On Monday, a judge raised Stockmeyer’s bail to $250,000. For 16th of April, a readiness conference was set.
Friends of Rachel Anne Morrison told a lot about her.
Susan Kram said, “Rachel was always so much fun to be with. She had an infectious smile and you couldn’t help but be laughing. Just enjoying her company every moment no matter what we were talking about or doing”.
Her friends sported the blue streak of hair she was famous for at her memorial.
Maggie Johnson said, “It’s a way to remember her. To remember she inspired us to be better scientists. Now she inspires us to be better people”.
On 28th of March, Morrison died due to Christopher Stockmeyer, said police.
Morrison is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and running a stop sign at the intersection of Camino Del Mar and Coast Boulevard. According to the police, it’s the place where he struck and killed Morrison prior to fleeing the scene but his license plate was left behind and that’s how police managed to find him.
Maggie Johnson said, “I feel for him and his family as well. It’s terrible. His life is going to be affected forever and I hope justice is served and I hope that man finds helps”.
Stockmayer is charged with felony hit and run, vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. Morrison’s friends hope people take her story to heart, especially when it comes to drinking alcohol and getting behind the wheel.
“It’s never acceptable to drink and drive. The consequences are tragic. It’s not worth the risk. Just be smart,” added Johnson.
News Source: www.CBS8.com
