Vehicular manslaughter charge filed against David Baskett in connection with May death of Tiffany Peterson
SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch announced Friday that one misdemeanor count of vehicular manslaughter has been filed against 81-year-old David Ernest Baskett in connection with the death of Tiffany Ann Peterson.
Baskett was operating a forklift when it was involved in a collision with a truck on May 2 of this year.
Tiffany Peterson, who was a passenger in the truck driven by her father, died following the collision at the intersection of Hangar Street and Skyway Drive.
Her father sustained moderate injuries from the collision.
Baskett is currently scheduled to be arraigned on his charge in Santa Maria Superior Court on Sep. 4, 2024, shared the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office.
Drugs nor alcohol played a factor in the fatal incident that was investigated by Officer Neil Medrano with the Santa Maria Police Department and will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Madison Whittmore and Deputy District Attorney Ryan Clausen shared the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office.
"At this time, SMJUHSD Trustee Mr. David Baskett has not informed the district about any change in his status as a board member," said Kenny Klein, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District's Public Information Officer regarding the District Attorney's announcement Friday. "Once again, Mr. Baskett was not acting in any official district capacity when the tragic accident occurred. I have no further comment."
