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Lodi Crash Suspect Ryan Morales Makes First Court Appearance In Deaths Of Family

LODI (CBS13) — The man accused of driving drunk and causing a crash that killed six members of a family faced a judge for the first time on Wednesday.

Ryan Morales, 28, originally faced six counts of second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. On Wednesday, the district attorney added two counts of felony drunk driving and causing injuries to those who survived the crash.

Morales asked for a public defender and didn't enter a plea to the 15 charges he faces.

Family members said Morales is depressed.

His aunt had a message for the Miranda family.

"I would tell them how sorry I am for all of their loss, and everything that's happened. We are very upset over everything too," Cheryl Morales said. "We wish this didn't happen, and the loss of that family—there's no getting them back, and we are so sorry."

Court documents say Morales and his dad shared a bottle of vodka about 90 minutes before the crash, and reveal that his initial BAC was more than twice the legal limit.

He's expected back in court next week.

 

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