San Andreas, CA…On November 9, 2018, in Calaveras County Superior Court, the Honorable Judge Susan Harlan, sentenced Tyler Nichols to 15 years to life in state prison for the August 2, 2016, second degree murder of his four year old son Jace. Mr. Nichols, 33, of Pine Grove, was driving with a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit with Jace in the backseat of his car. Due to his level of intoxication, Mr. Nichols left the roadway and crashed his car into a tree. Sadly, Jace died later as a result of injuries he suffered from the collision.

Under the law, a person can be convicted of second degree murder for killing someone while driving under the influence, if they knew that drinking and driving is dangerous to human life. “Mr. Nichols had been convicted of driving under the influence on 3 previous occasions, so he clearly knew about the dangers,” said Assistant District Attorney Dana Pfeil. “In reality, in today’s society, everyone should know that drinking and driving can kill,” said Pfeil.

“We are grateful for the thorough investigation completed by the CHP in this case,” said Calaveras County District Attorney Barbara M. Yook. “Nothing can undue this tragic loss of life, but we hope this case will serve as a reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and prevent future tragedies,” Yook added. After sentencing Mr. Nichols, Judge Susan Harlan encouraged him to use his time while incarcerated to think about the changes he needs to make to his life.