With Previous DUI Convictions, Coachella Man Now Facing Murder Charge After Fatal DUI Crash In Palm Desert

A driver under the influence caused a fatal crash in Palm Desert during the wee hours of Friday January 13th 2023.

It was 2:33 in the morning, when deputies responded to a call of a traffic collision at Country Club Dr. and Cook St. in Palm Desert. 

Two cars were involved.

Deuties found the driver of one car was already dead at the scene.

The driver of the other vehicle, an SUV, was 26 year old Alberto Lopez of Coachella, who was arrested for DUI.

Lopez has prior convictions for driving under the influence.

In this case, Lopez was speeding eastbound on Country Club Drive and rear-ended a car that was stopped at a red light on Country Club at Cook Street.

Lopez is jailed on murder charges.  Bail is one million dollars.

Murder suspect Alberto Lopez

Fatal DUI crash in Palm Desert Fri Jan 13th 2023

Photo from Riverside County Sheriffs Dept