SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
News Release

Release #12-02-03
December 2, 2003
For Immediate Release

Media Office 916-433-0808 

Capt. Sam Somers
Sgt. Justin Risley, PIO
PIC Audrey Lee
 
 

Internet: www.sacpd.org 
DUI DRIVER KILLS STUDENT

On December 2, 2003, at approximately 4:00 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department responded to a vehicle accident in the area of Martin Luther King (MLK) Boulevard and 19th Avenue.  The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, driving alone in a white Ford Explorer was traveling south on MLK Boulevard when he sideswiped a vehicle just north of 19th Avenue.  The suspect continued south on MLK Boulevard striking two female victims.  The victims are students of Christian Brothers High School and were walking on the west side of MLK Boulevard, in the area of 19th Avenue.  One of the victims (17 years-of-age) was found in a vacant lot at the southwest corner of MLK Boulevard and 19th Avenue.  She was transported to the U.C. Davis Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased. The other victim (15 years-of-age) was also transported to the U.C. Davis Medical Center with minor injuries.  The two victims are sisters.  After striking the victims, the suspect’s vehicle struck a wood utility pole located on the west side of MLK Boulevard, just south of 19th Avenue, shearing it off completely.  The suspect vehicle then continued south to the area of MLK Boulevard and 23rd Avenue where he exited his vehicle.  He then continued south on MLK Boulevard on foot.  Citizens in the area immediately pointed the suspect out to the responding officers.  The suspect was immediately detained without incident.  An alcohol testing device revealed the suspect to have a blood alcohol content of .17 which is over twice the legal limit.

The suspect, identified as Kenneth Bartholomew (DOB 12-06-53), will be incarcerated at the Sacramento County Main Jail on the charges of Felony Drunk Driving, Felony Hit and Run, and Felony Manslaughter.

A photo of the suspect will not be released at this time due to investigative reasons.