Napa County Crash Leads to Felony Charges

An American Canyon man has been charged with multiple felonies following a devastating crash in Napa County on Saturday. William Dene Brumley, 68, faces charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of a drug, according to the Napa County District Attorney’s Office.

Details of the Silverado Trail Collision

The collision occurred around noon on Saturday on Silverado Trail, north of Napa and east of Yountville. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that Brumley, driving a Mitsubishi sedan, initially sideswiped a northbound BMW SUV.

Head-On Impact and Fatalities

Following the sideswipe, Brumley’s vehicle collided head-on with a Toyota sedan traveling behind the BMW. Tragically, one passenger in the Mitsubishi died at the scene, and a second succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. Four occupants of the Toyota sustained major injuries, and one later died at the hospital.

Victims Identified

The Napa County District Attorney’s Office has identified the three deceased victims as Vivian Bertolino, 65, of Napa; Linda Wolters, 62, of American Canyon; and Katrina Clarke, 65, of Sacramento. A total of six people were injured in the crash, including Brumley himself.

Charges and Allegations

Brumley was initially arrested on suspicion of DUI and transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Prosecutors have added allegations to the charges, stating the crimes “involved great bodily injury and violence, cruelty, viciousness, or callousness,” impacted multiple victims, and demonstrate a heightened level of seriousness.

Prior Record Considerations

The DA’s office also noted that the charges include allegations related to Brumley’s prior performance on probation or parole, if applicable. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday afternoon in Napa County Superior Court.