Driver in deadly Hwy 154 crash makes first court appearance
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The driver who is facing three murder charges in a deadly crash on Highway 154 made his first court appearance Friday.
John Roderick Dungan, 28, of Santa Barbara appeared in court Friday morning. Cameras were not allowed, but a NewsChannel 3 crew in the courtroom says he was in a wheelchair during his court appearance.
His arraignment was continued to November 20.
On Wednesday, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office filed a felony complaint against the Santa Barbara man. He faces three counts of murder in the October 25 crash that killed a Solvang woman and her two young children.
The CHP held a news conference Thursday, saying they believe Dungan intentionally drove into oncoming traffic near the Cold Spring Bridge, causing the crash that killed Rebecca Vanessa Goss Bley, 34, and her children, Lucienne Bley Gleason and Desmond Bley Gleason. Lucienne was two years old, and Desmond was just four months old.
Dungan was originally hospitalized in critical condition after the crash, but is now being held in Santa Barbara County Jail on no bail.
The CHP said Thursday that neither Dungan nor his relatives have spoken to investigators.
Officers are asking anyone with information on the case to call them at (805) 967-1234.
