Executive Summary
- Badal Devendra Dholaria, 27, faces murder charges for a fatal crash in San Ramon.
- The collision on Nov. 29 killed Alix Mari Sparks, 41, of Castro Valley.
- Prosecutors allege Dholaria was driving impaired in a Tesla Model 3.
- Charges include murder, DUI causing injury, and special allegations of great bodily injury.
A Pleasanton man has been charged with murder and multiple felonies following a fatal vehicle collision in San Ramon over the Thanksgiving weekend that resulted in the death of a Castro Valley woman. Badal Devendra Dholaria, 27, faces five felony charges related to the incident, which prosecutors allege was caused by impaired driving.
According to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, the collision occurred just before 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, on Crow Canyon Road near the western city limit of San Ramon. Investigators report that Dholaria was operating a Tesla Model 3 when he collided with a Ford Bronco. Witnesses cited by DanvilleSanRamon.com stated that the Tesla appeared to be speeding erratically immediately prior to the impact.
The crash resulted in critical injuries to a female passenger in the Ford Bronco, identified by the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Division as 41-year-old Alix Mari Sparks of Castro Valley. Authorities confirmed that Sparks succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the Bronco, a 40-year-old man from Castro Valley, was treated at a hospital for injuries and subsequently released.
District Attorney Diana Becton announced the filing of formal charges on Wednesday, which include murder, two counts of driving under the influence causing injury, and two counts of driving with a blood-alcohol content over 0.08% causing injury. The complaint also includes special allegations of causing great bodily injury to both victims. In a statement, Becton emphasized the preventability of such tragedies, noting that impaired driving is a choice that “can kill.”
San Ramon Police Department officers returned to the scene on Wednesday, closing a section of Crow Canyon Road between Bollinger Canyon and Norris Canyon roads for approximately six hours to conduct follow-up investigations. Dholaria remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility and is scheduled for arraignment in Contra Costa County Superior Court.
Judicial Process and Safety Implications
The elevation of charges to murder in DUI cases often signifies that prosecutors believe there is evidence of implied malice, distinguishing the case from standard vehicular manslaughter. As the case moves to the arraignment phase, the judicial focus will likely center on the specific toxicity levels and the erratic driving behavior described by witnesses. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
