Crime & Safety

Woman Pleads Not Guilty in Crash That Killed Cyclist

Authorities say Danae Marie Miller was drunk and texting in the accident that killed cyclist Amine Britel.

The woman accused of driving drunk and causing the crash that killed a cyclist in Newport Beach pleaded not guilty today to one felony count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated, according to the Orange County district attorney's office. She will return to court May 19 for a pretrial hearing.

Authorities say , 22, of Newport Coast, also was texting on her cell phone at the time of the Feb. 21 accident, which killed 44-year-old , also of Newport Coast, who was riding his bike on San Joaquin Hills Road near Spy Glass Hill Road.

According to the district attorney's office, before the crash Miller drank alcohol at her place of employment, Zinc Cafe. Following the accident, authorities say, Miller showed signs of intoxication, such as bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and odor of alcohol. Nearly two hours after the crash, the D.A.'s office says, Miller had a blood alcohol level of .10. The legal limit for drivers in California is .08. If convicted, Miller faces up to 10 years in prison. 

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Britel, a triathlete and local businessman, died at the scene. He enjoyed riding his bike along the hills of Newport Coast, running the sands of Crystal Cove and swimming in the ocean at Corona del Mar. The Friends of Britel are holding a beachside memorial for him Sunday at Crystal Cove. A white bicycle now marks the spot where Britel died.  It serves as a memorial to Britel and a reminder to motorists to be aware of the many cyclists who use the street.


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