Woman convicted of vehicular manslaughter in death of SLO County resident

Jessica Lea Allred, 25, was found guilty of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated that resulted in the death of a San Luis Obispo County woman.

The verdict came after an 8-day trial and half-day of deliberation. Allred was accused of killing Denise Lyn Fox while driving intoxicated from Pozo towards Santa Margarita on April 30, 2016.

Witnesses described Allred’s driving as “unsafe.” Near Santa Margarita, Allred drove her white Saturn across the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic, crashing into Fox’s car, investigators say. Fox died at the scene of the crash.

Allred was also injured in the collision and was taken to Sierra Vista Hospital. The California Highway Patrol conducted field sobriety tests and determined that Allred was under the influence of alcohol, according to authorities.

The SLO County District Attorney’s Office says a forensic alcohol test revealed Allred had a blood alcohol level of .17%, more than twice the legal limit of .08%.

Allred is due back in SLO County Superior Court on July 30 for sentencing.