Fullerton Teen Driver Convicted of DUI-Related Killing

Posted by CotoBlogzz 07-09-2010  08:00 PM

SANTA ANA, CA  - Jared Nobel Berggren, a teen driver under the influence of alcohol was convicted today of killing two friends after losing control of his car and crashing into a tree, ejecting the victims onto the street, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s office.

Berggren, 20, Fullerton, pleaded guilty to the court to two felony counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated with a sentencing enhancement for causing great bodily injury. He faces a maximum sentence of 13 years in state prison at his sentencing on Aug. 20, 2010

At approximately 2:30 a.m. on May 11, 2009, Berggren was driving at a high rate of speed in a residential area in Fullerton while under the influence of alcohol. Victim Jacquelyn Ardalan, 19, was riding in the front passenger seat and victim Miles Andrew Christensen, 19, was riding in the rear right seat of Berggren's truck.  Berggren lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a large eucalyptus tree. Ardalan and Christensen were ejected from the truck and landed nearby on the ground. Both were pronounced dead at the scene, while Berggren was transported to the hospital and treated for a non-life-threatening skull fracture. At the time of the crash he had a blood alcohol level of .10 percent. 


Deputy District Attorney Susan Price of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case