Vanessa Noblitt, 44, has pleaded not guilty to charges following a fatal crash on July 23 in San Luis Obispo, Calif., where she allegedly struck two cyclists, killing one.
The victims, Martin Suits, 74, and Saul Goldberg, 87, were riding e-bikes when they were hit. Suits survived but with moderate injuries, while Goldberg died from his injuries days later. Suits spoke emotionally after the court hearing to the San Luis Obispo Tribune: “There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about it. I miss Saul a lot because he was probably my best friend.”
BAC four times the legal limit
Noblitt was arrested in Oregon on December 19, facing charges that include vehicular manslaughter and DUI, with a blood alcohol content nearly four times the legal limit. Prosecutors argued that her high BAC and history of alcohol abuse, particularly around her family, make her a public safety risk. Deputy District Attorney Mahjoubeh Foolad cited Noblitt’s husband’s statement: “Every time she is around her mother, this is what happens. She drinks, she can’t control herself.”
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Noblitt’s defense attorney noted that she volunteers with her ministry, teaching Sunday school and preschool, which he believes “shows she has good character.” He also said she would stay with family during the court proceedings to ensure she doesn’t miss any court dates and would comply with any release conditions, including wearing a GPS ankle bracelet.
The crash occurred when Noblitt allegedly struck Goldberg and Suits, fled the scene, and later hit a parked car nearby. Police connected her to the incident and, after serving search warrants, arrested her in Oregon. She was later extradited to face charges in San Luis Obispo.
Suits recalled the moments after the crash: “I have no recollection of the impact at all. The first thing I remembered was trying to get up, and I was able to finally stand, but nothing worked.” Though he didn’t break any bones, Suits has been in physical therapy for injuries to his fingers and arm. He and Goldberg had been cycling together for over a decade, and Suits said, “Losing that investment is very hard.”
Noblitt’s bail remains set at US $160,000, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for February 4.
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