Willits/Lucerne Woman Charged With Felony Vehicular Manslaughter

A woman identified as being from both Willits and Lucerne has been charged with felony vehicular manslaughter in the death of a passenger who was riding in her car while she was driving under the influence. Earlier this month, Patricia Martha Murphy rear-ended a parked work truck in Lucerne. Her passenger, Justin Dale of Lucerne died of his injuries at the scene. Murphy was arrested by CHP under suspicion of driving under the influence. She is being held without bail and her preliminary hearing is set for February 16th.