The Antelope Valley Times

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Alleged DUI driver pleads not guilty, family grieves victims

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The early morning collision on March 13 in Lancaster killed Angelica Goins-Jones, 42, and left her husband Patrick Jones, 43, clinging to life at Antelope Valley Hospital.

LANCASTER – The suspected drunk driver involved in Tuesday’s collision, that killed a Lancaster woman and critically injured the woman’s husband, cried throughout her court appearance Thursday.

Jodi Lynn Biers, 28, was charged with five felonies – gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, two counts of driving under the influence and causing injury, and two counts of driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or more.

She pleaded not guilty to all charges and was ordered to appear on March 27 for a preliminary hearing. Her bail was raised to $230,000.

Before being led away by deputies, a weeping Biers clasped her hands as if in prayer and appeared to mouth the words “I’m sorry, I’m sorry” to the crowd of people in the courtroom.

Several in the courtroom were family members and friends of Angelica Goins-Jones and her husband, Patrick Jones.

“Her saying sorry to us made me feel bad for her because I believe that she truly is sorry for what she did,” said the couple’s sister, Nicole Jones. “But that’s not going to bring Angie back and it’s not going to bring my brother out of the hospital. She [Biers] needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Authorities said Biers was driving with a blood alcohol level of .226, nearly three times the legal limit, when her pickup truck collided with the couple’s vehicle around 12:54 a.m. Tuesday, instantly killing Angelica and leaving Patrick in the hospital fighting for his life.

“He’s not conscious right now,” said Nicole Jones. “He’s on a ventilator because his lungs collapsed, his diaphragm is torn, his kidneys are only functioning at 25 percent, and he has a bruised heart.”

The couple had been together for 21 years, and married for 10. Family members say they have received an immeasurable amount of support from well wishers since the fatal collision.

Worst of all, she says, is what her brother must hear when he wakes up.

“He doesn’t even know about his wife yet,” she said. “We are all trying to stay strong and be there for him.”

Angelica and Patrick had been together for 21 years, was married for 10 years, and shared a 19-year-old daughter, Nicole Jones said.

Early Tuesday morning, the couple was headed home after a long night of packing boxes and moving furniture.

“They were helping me move and pack,” Nicole Jones said. “They left my house around 12:30 [a.m.] and they just wanted to get home and get some rest.”

The couple was only minutes away from their home on 10th street west when the collision happened.

Authorities say Biers was traveling south on 10th street west and the couple was traveling east on West Avenue L.

“She [Angelica] was in the intersection on a green light ready to make a turn,” Lancaster Station spokesman Michael Rust said Thursday. He said investigators have not determined the exact rate of speed Biers was traveling when her pickup truck slammed into the vehicle, and he did not want to give an estimated rate of speed because the matter was still under investigation.

“But we know she was extremely drunk, so we’re putting her 100 percent at fault,” Rust said.

The couple’s 19-year-old daughter Taylor, said she is grieving the loss of her mom while trying to stay strong for her father.

“She hit my sister’s car so hard that even after the impact it pushed it 100 feet,” said Paula Goins. “I really don’t have any words for her… her feelings of guilt may diminish over time but our family will always be in pain because we will never ever get my sister back.”

Several family members were angered by the results of Thursday’s court hearing.

“It’s not vehicular manslaughter, I believe it should be murder and attempted murder,” said Nicole Jones.

“I believe the bail should have been set higher to at least one million dollars,” said Paula Goins. “You have one person dead, you have another person critically injured, and you have a child that could possibly lose both parents.”

The couple’s daughter, Taylor Jones, was also at the hearing.

“I love my mom more than anything and I miss her so much,” said Taylor. “I’m just trying to stay strong right now because of my father… I know he needs me to be strong for him.”

The preliminary hearing on the case is set for March 27.

80 comments for "Alleged DUI driver pleads not guilty, family grieves victims"

  1. Apparently, Miss Biers was charged today with murder and bail was set at $1 million dollars.

    While I’m often loathe to condemn another person without plenty of evidence, in my opinion the charge definitely fits the crime.
    For the wannabe “legal experts” on one side screaming “intent” and the people referring to “Klancaster” and unfair treatment on another, it appears that you were both wrong in this instance, so let’s see where this case goes before you post up more incorrect and ill-advised comments on the matter.

  2. BTIt makes me so mad that it states, alleged or suspected drunk driver, No! it’snot alleged or suspected it’s a known fact that she an extremely drunk driver, my God 3 times the legal limit! Then Pleading Not Guilty! She’s GUILTY!!! She needs to be locked up for the rest of her life!! Angie’s family lives will never be the same because this person drank excessively, and drove. Who were the people with her, were they equally as drunk that they too didn’t have the brains to take away her keys, or simply keep her from getting behind the wheel. Then to hear she tired to get away, Wow! I have no sympathy for her. It’s Murder! Your Guilty Jodi how dare you think your not! Accept what you did. Your pleading not guilty is a slap in the face to the family and friends who have already been devastated because of your careless actions.

  3. God’s people never say goodbye for the last time. For us, death is not good bye: It’s a “see you later.” Stay strong for family and God will wipe all your tears away. We may not like what we see and hear from some aspects of society, but remember this: God is in control, trust him to do what is right. Pray for strength and peace for everyone that has been affected by this tragedy.

  4. Drunk driving is no excuse period. Taxis, friends, even just sleeping in your car will prevent this tragedy. I have no sympathy for Jodi why??? I died and came back thanx to a DUI suspect, and I have a fracture pelvis, a shattered life and emotional/physical scars to prove it. I want to see a photo of Jodi in prison garb

  5. She should have pleaded guilty and take her punishment like a wo-man!!!!! She knows she is in good hands in this biased judicial system of Klancaster, so why not plead not guilty?? [removed]….she just made a bad decision…while minorities in this town on first time offenses are often not shown mercy and are punished to the full extent of the law. [removed]

    • Why do you have to be racist, it doesn’t matter what race any of them were. I’s stupid people like you that keep racist going.

      • I did not intend to sound racist. I was stating the facts that she is a white woman, and is employed
        by the LAFD. Can you answer why she would plead not guilty? Why does she feel she has a chance at a trial?
        What a waste of tax payers dollars. As I said take your punishment like a wo-MAN,heeehaw that. Blood alcohol level three times the legal limit!! I am sure
        her Fire captain or someone could have given her a ride with lights and sirens

        • If you know anything about our legal system – you would know that nearly all criminals plea “NOT GUILTY” in order to have a trial. If everyone pled “GUILTY” they automatically give up their rights to a trial by jury. Obviously all the facts regarding this incident are not known. For instance – you have incorrect facts as I can see – she is not employed by the LAFD – she is employed by the government. Let the legal system do their job. You nor I are God – let them gather all facts, look at the situation and decide what the sentence will be. Everyone has the right to be tried by a jury.

    • Obviously you dont have clue about being a real human being. Yes, you sounded racist and I feel sorry for you, all that anger and hate. What she did was wrong and I hope she pays dearly for it and I think she should have pleaded guilty. But your inflammatory comments are not helping the situation at all.

      • She was not racist sounding at all it is a fact that non white people are prosecuted to the fullest, antelope valley is a republican operated area, and favor white people over”minorities” it’s a sad fact not a racist comment, check statistical numbers…

        • then go somewhere else! if you dont like it here then find a “democrat” area to live in! Oh wait the “democrat” areas are full of crime and gangs just like where you came from.

        • statistical numbers? you really want to go there??????????? statistical numbers tell me that black people commit more violent crime than any other race. that is a DOJ-FBI statistic! look it up!

        • You sound like you have a chip on your shoulder about being a minority, weren’t, you taught that if you work hard at what you want to acheive in life, no matter your race, it can be done. you should be proud of whatever race you are? Do you also blame everyone else for all of your problems in life? Stop being racist and get back to the reason we are on this web site, to show our respect and support to the many people that are hurting because of this tragedy.

  6. My prayers and heartfelt sympathy go out to the Goins-jones family. May God be your strength. Words cannot express the pain i feel for your family and i don’t even no you. May God bless and comfort you all in your time of need.

  7. My sincerest regards for the family…you all have demonstrated class in this horrible situation. I would be freaking out right now wanting to hurt someone…I’ll shut up now and leave it at that. God Bless you all and my thoughts and prayers are with you all :(

  8. My Heart breaks for this family! This happened right next to my apartment and when i went to leave in the morning i saw the whole road blocked off, I had hoped that nothing bad had happened :( RIP Angie

  10. I knew jodi personally. Its a shame that people don’t learn from other peoples mistakes. She. Knew better! I don’t feel sorry her. She killed someone. Its a sad situation for the family that lost someone. [removed]

  11. Jodi, committed a crime and took a life, man-up’ well woman-up and please admit your guilt and save everyone the pain of a trial. You were stupid and risk it all, life/job/future, now show up and admit your stupidity. Your allowing this to go to trial is a continuation of your ignorance and will just bring more pain to everyone. If you ever really understood your oath as member of public safety then you would know admitting guilt is part of being that person you thought you were….

    • Don’t know if you noticed, but the first stone was already cast. In the form of an alcohol-fueled accident.
      I see your first stone and raise you a “you reap what you sow.” Call?

  14. Ok folks, lets say Jodi had pleaded guilty? How would that have changed all these comments made? This woman went and committed a crime by drinking and driving. The fact that this tragedy occured with loss of life just made it that much worse. The folks who are supporting Jodi, congrats on your loyalty to your friend/family. The fact is this, if it were her by herself and no one else was involved in a fatal accident, you would all be grateful that no one else was involved. Whose fault would it be then? Still Jodi’s.Whose family would be grieving, Just Jodi’. She’d still be responsible for what happened. She need to take responsibility for her actions, despite any feelings of remorse. My heart goes out to the Jones / Goins family. Their loss is felt as far north as they Seattle area.

    • Shut up please…and if she had that accident by her self ok no we would not be here. But we here she took someone away by her and I said her bad judgment and we all have been in jodi shoes …she need to plead guilty if she is so sorry…why fight what she really did. this is whack…..as my girl angie would say…[removed] THAT. EXCUSE MY FRENCH

      • You need to watch your language, you sound like a very low class person! You can be mad, upset, whatever, and still be respectful. You sound like you might have alot of personal problem.

  15. When will people learn that ALL actions have consequences, and she SHOULD be charged with murder. I believe this young lady was the daughter of a friend I knew many years ago, Paul Goins. This is terribly sad, and to see so many people making excuses for her behavior. There is NO comfort in a bottle, and she will spend a great deal of time behind bars for her selfish decision, where she belongs!

  16. This is such horible news my condolences to the goins-jones family its such a shame. I feel sorry for jodi as well im sure she is living in regret and she will for the rest of her life, its crazy how in seconds your life can change, you can loose everything in a blink of an eye, im sure jodi is hating herself for what she did, and wished she could rewind time, she has a heart too she is human,let god be the judge of her, we can be mad at her all we want for what she did it, its not going to make anything better, she needs support too its not like she was serial killer she made a mistake a huge mistake, a mistake im sure alomost everyone who has commented on this could of done, i know not all of you guys are angels im sure everyone has committed some type of sin no one is perfect, she will get what she desrves and its really sad that someones life had to be taken away and possibly a 2nd life, we have to learn from this and start making people more aware of the consenquences of drinking and driving we need to build awareness we have to do what ever we can to prevent this from happening again.

    • I couldn’t have ever done something like this – I DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE! We call a taxi or have a sober driver. No Excuses, none!

    • Thanks for your positive comments about Jodi. I knew her before she moved to California and I remember a kind, caring person. I pray for the victims and Jodi.

  17. My heart goes out to the family… My aunt witnessed the accident called for.help && checked Angie pulse while tryin to keep her husband calm she is traumatized til this day :’ ( … The drunk driver was tryin to get away in her truck while screaming heeee haaaa not knowing she just took an innocent life smh bout time ii got to the scene it was really ugly… She needs to be charged with MURDER no exceptions…

  18. [removed] drunks….my dearest friend was killed by a drunk driver as his two beautiful children watched in horror. I have no compassion for Jodi, none, she chose to drink, she chose to drive and she made the decision that led to the death of this young lady and critically hurt her husband. I hope Jodi screams in the night as her nightmares bring this event back to her for the rest of her life…..

    • While I don’t hope that she has night mares of this the rest of her life. It is a sad sad and horrible thing that happened. I absolutely think it is her fault and she should pay for it. She should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Who cares if she has remorse – remorse it not enough. She is a murderer!

    • You should be called to testify, since you have known her personally. And know that this is not a, onetime thing, her drinking. Also her friend she was with that night should also be called. Are they in the same unit? I would have someone look into these surrounding stations and have some major changes! Blood and Hair test random, urine for alcohol and mental stability checks regular. Yes this is a high stress job. We LOVE you firemen/women. You work hard, risk your lives and save lives! It is amazing!
      ** BUT, if you are saying this was long before and a progression, then she should have been flagged by her family or co-workers and monitored, helped and put on probation. She might not be where she is and this couple would have been saved.

      • For one thing if she was with her co workers and I know they saw how drunk she was they should not have let her drive away….

      • all I can say is that she is a very sweet person that evryone that knows her was in complete shock that this has happened she has a clean record before this so whoever this FF guy is saying is completely wrong, but I have say what she did was completely wrong and I am not excusing her or jusitifyig her actions what she did was wrong I completly agree and I hope you guys dont judge all the other people in our agency like you guys are judging her. I am very responsible and never drink and I take those things very serious and it saddens me to hear about this tradgedy I am truly sorry for her action towards the jones family and friends and like i said i wish i was there that night to give her a ride I try to find out who goes and drinks so i can prevent from anyone getting hurt bc i know what its like to loose people and it isnt great by any means

    • Wow, that post was deleted rather quickly.
      It’s sad that not too many people were able to read it before it was deleted, but it’s good that someone with knowledge of her history and events of that night found it in his conscience to post that. Not sure if it was flagged because it could harm Miss Biers case or because it referenced possible illegal activity by other people in another matter unrelated to her, but thanks, FF, from those of us who actually got to read it.

      • Probably not due to what was said, probably more to do with one person’s allegations about the character of the accused and some pretty specific who, what, when, where information that may or may not be true.

        Can’t blame the owners of this site not wanting to be part of this case by allowing that sort of unsubstantiated allegations stand, even if true.

    • This is to FF I hope you read this. THANK YOU for coming forward and posting what you did. I am sure that was hard to do, unfortunatly it was taken down before I could copy it. I know you are worried about your identity and I respect that but I hope you can find it in your heart to please get that information to the Goins and Jones Family. I don’t know if that would help in any way but it wouldn’t hurt for them to have that information. Again Thank You

      • Please contact me iam family of angie and pat and we know she was out drinking with co workers and if she trying to plead not guilty well please she need to understand what she did.if she did understand her answer would have been iam guilty…thanks

    • To “FF”:

      Shame on you FF for using this as an opportunity for your own personal reasons. How dare you mislead this family with your allegations. It’s understood why they flagged and removed your comment. You are an evil woman.

      • My comment was not intended to be hurtful or inflammatory in any regards but only to highlight that if better checks and balances had been implemented and complaints and past incidents had been acted upon properly than maybe there would have been a differant outcome in this situation. I maintain that this was very much a PREVENTABLE ACCIDENT. I am hurting for Jodi – for the loss of what could have been a full life. I am hurting for her because I believe that she had some serious issues that were swept under the rug and I wish she had been able to recieve help. I am hurting for the Goins-Jones family and the fact that they are suffering from a terrible tragedy. Like I said in my original post, I only wish now for peace and healing for all parties involved.

      • PT ITS A KNOWN FACT THAT JODI ABUSE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL, ITS SAD THAT ALL HER FRIENDS ARE SO ACCEPTING ON SUPPORTING HER FOR A CRIME THAT SHE COMPETED, IM SURE IF THE TABLES WERE TURN AND ONE OF YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS WAS IN THIS SITUATION, YOU WOULDN’T FEEL THE SAME, EVERYONE THATS MAKING ALL THESE COMMENTS SAYING SHE MADE A MISTAKE IS JUST RIDICULOUS,I SURE MOST OF HERS FRIEND POSTING COMMENTS ON THIS SITE MAY HAVE EVEN PARTY WITH HER ONCE OR TWICE BEFORE. THE WORST THING OF ALL IS THAT THE GUYS SHE WAS WITH THAT NIGHT LET HER LEAVE, KNOWING SHE WAS INTOXCATED, WHAT A FRIEND. JODI HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS AND DIFFERNTS STATIONS. WHATS SO SAD IS THAT THE DAY OF HER COURT HEARING NONE OF HER FRIENDS WAS THERE, BUT YOU ALL HAVE THE NERVE TO POST YOUR COMMENTS BEHIND A COMPUTER, ANGIE WAS MY COUSIN. SO TO ALL OF JODI SUPPORTERS ITS SAD THAT YOU SEEM TO SEE ONLY ONE SIDE OF THES SAD EVENT.

        • Just because we are Jody’s supporters, doesn’t mean we see this sad event as one sided. Jody has a lot of friends and we will be there for her. It’s just hearsay that she had problems with alcohol and drugs, and if she did it will come out. Don’t say things if you don’t know what you are talking about. She made a bad choice to drive that night, and she will pay for what she did. Be the better person and “Grieve with diginty”. God Bless you…….

          • Her name is Jodi, not Jody. I was so upset by this accident because my only living children had just passed through that very intersection moments before the crash. I don’t know Jodi, or Angelica. I can only say that I know Jodi is in severe pain and probably wishes that she had died that morning. I’m sure her parents are grieving for the loss of their daughter’s life too and wishing they could raise the million dollars to bail her out. I am not minimizing the Goins-Jones pain by any means. I think an extensive inpatient treatment program would be much more punishment then sending Jodi to prison for life. I’m sure Jodi will probably think about Angie for the rest of her life and probably would give her own to take back what she did. It’s such a tradegy…either way you look at it. I’ll pray for Angie and Jodi too.

  20. Sorry for your loss first and foremost. The laws need to change Tina, she did do it On purpose. She drank and drank and got behind the wheel. That to me is full intent to cause bodily harm. That would be like loading a gun pulling the trigger in a crowd and hoping no one gets shot.

    • Julia,

      Help me to understand why Tommie Lee Cole’s bail has been set at $2 mil. and he has been charged with 2 counts of murder, 2 counts of gross vehicular manslaughter, 2 counts of driving under the influence and another 2 counts of blood alcoh. above .08? He too killed while driving drunk. I am quite sure he “did not do it on purpose.”

      So why the difference for him vs. Jodi?

      • That’s a very good question. And absolutely true..there is no real difference, just people..both cases alcohol and driving are your main factors.

      • Maybe because Tommie Lee Cole killed 2 people. No he also “didnt do it on purpose” but he did know that when he got behind the wheel while intoxicated that someone could get hurt and they did, 2 very good men. I hope both Tommie Lee Cole and Jodi Biers both get the stiffest sentence and spend many many years in jail and suffer with the thought of what they have done. How many more good people have to get killed by a drunk drivers!

    • She did nothing on purpose and you have some nerve to think you know what someone else had intended to do in their life. Look up the definition of murder, the definition of intent, and then you sorry dumbass…rethink your thoughts

      • That’s real harsh to start calling names..nobody intends to take anyone’s life unless premeditated, but in this case this young lady made the poor choice to drive after drinking, regardless of how “aware” you may think you are when you drink and drive…it should NEVER happen…reason being…lives are lost or damaged.

        • I agree with you MEL 110%. TINA indicated that Jodi “did nothing on purpose”, that’s an untrue statement. Jodi intentionally and purposefully got into her vehicle intoxicated and caused this horrific accident. She did not intentionally mean to cause this accident, but nonetheless because of her poor judgement, due mostly because of her unclear thinking, there are families and friends that are suffering, and there is NOTHING that can rewind this to make it not so…. Sad.

      • I learned of Angies passing and was so devastated. Mostly for her family which will never again have the opportunity to be with her… To say that “she did nothing on purpose and you have some nerve to think you know what someone else had intended to do in their life… Really? You are ignorant to the fact that “she” committed murder intentionally or unintentionally. Drinking and driving are against the law. When one chooses to drink and drive, it is no different then if someone goes out and purchases a gun to kill someone. Turn the tables, imagine your family member / friend was killed in this way… I bet you would feel differntly. This is not the place or time to name call. People are hurting… Please have some dignity and respect for those that lost their loved one.

        Rest in peace Angelica.

        • Extremely well said. I agree 100%!! Let’s have some respect for those that are grieving right now… Put yourself in their shoes and I guarantee you won’t feel the urge to make any more senseless comments.
          For any family members of Angelica who are reading this, I am truly sorry for your loss and I understand and can relate to your pain. I lost my brother more than three decades ago and not a day goes by where I don’t think about it. Just writing this message brings tears to my eyes… I wish I could say that it gets better, but unfortunately all I can say is that it gets more manageable as the years go by. You have my deepest sympathies…

  21. Couple weeks ago a young blk guy killed two ppl in a D.U.I accident and his bail was set at 2 million. this should be a outrage that they’re giving or even a chance to post bail. This should be murder in the second degree!! My heart goes out to the family.. I pray for there daughter (so sad)

  22. Jodi, will have to face what she has done. Drunk or not, the choice she had made is what lead to another person’s death and left another clinging to life! Anyone who (Drinks or Does drugs) and drives, deserves to be punished according to the law.
    And at this time is, vehicular manslaughter which should be changed to second degree murder at least. After further investigation I think the charges will be raised. *There is another case here in the AV, 2 Wal-Mart employees were headed home, and their car was struck by a Drunk driver. That driver is facing 2 counts of murder, so I would reference that current case to the DA. to have charges raised. *There is a known fact that Jodi could, hit and kill someone if she drove, she had plenty of time and options not to put anyone at risk, BUT she failed to act in the interest of not only herself but others too, and drove. Knowing that what saw was doing was against the law, and could possible injure or kill another. That is the intent, the actions were sadly taken, not to safely get home, by taxi or friend, BUT by herself and drunk, said to be 2/3 times the legal limit!
    The focus here should be, a woman (mother , wife, sister, aunt, daughter, friend) is dead, a man(father, husband, brother, friend) lay in critical condition. This is the result of an action taken by Jodi, a woman, who made a very bad, fatal decision, and she will have to face her punishment just like anyone who decides to get in a car drunk or on drugs/ point a gun, or rob a bank! It is illegal to do what she did and equally punishable as any horrible crime should be, bottom line. My heart goes out to all involved, and justice, blind that she is, should prevail.

  23. Excellent point. These kids were all out at scooners, that nasty little bar right around the corner from the accident. They have a huge tendency to over serve and let people drive right away from their place. .226, this isn’t a few beers over a long time, this is almost 3 times the legal limit and I am embarrassed for what ever bartender/bar owner let this young lady leave and drive. They should have legal issues because of their negligence.

    As far as murder charges, I understand the victim’s sister is in a lot of pain but the law is the law and you can not have a murder charge without intent and there is no way you can have intent when you didn’t do anything on purpose. She didn’t know she was going to hit, nor did she do it on purpose, or plan anything of the nature. Sorry for your loss but this young lady is suffering as well….two wrongs don’t make a right, and sometimes we must remember that God has something planned for each of us and if it’s our time, regardless of how it happens, then it is our time. my thoughts are with everyone who is hurting right now. i hope time can heal.

    • That’s not entirely true. Depending on the defendant’s history and the situation, the Watson murder charge could be applied. It is a murder 2 charge and doesn’t require an active “intent” to kill.

    • If Jodi was set free, she may do it again, many drunk drivers are Repeat drunk drivers. She needs to be sent away for a long time, TO TEACH EVERYONE A LESSON, NOT TO DRINK AND DRIVE! If she gets a slap on the hand, “cuz she is sorry”, what will stop the next person from drinking and driving?

  24. Someone please start naming the places where these drunk drivers are getting drunk at. Start investigating the liquor licenses of the places where these fools are getting drunk and find out if these places are severing drunks even more booze.

    That’s reporting I’d like to see.

    • Steve, I agree. DUI checkpoints and encourage other drivers to call 911 and report these people roaming the streets with deadly weapons! BUT I do like your idea of also keeping the “sellers” in check, because it is also their responsibility to stop serving the alcohol, and they should by law, take keys away, call a cab or find out how that, “drunk” person is getting home. They want to make a business of this and there are precautions that come in this type of business, this should be another!!

      • teshi

        I believe it’s against the terms of a liquor license to serve booze to a person that is obviously intoxicated. Lots of bars are fined and or loose their licenses for serving booze to intoxicated patrons.

        So the question is: Where was the accused “Jodi Lynn Biers” drinking before this accident, and was the accused in the other terrible incident drinking? Is it a common place, and if so who is investigating for a common source of where these people are getting intoxicated?

        In this story, the accused was traveling South on 10th Street West and the accident happened at L, so all the bars North of L are logically where the boozing occurred.

        In the previous incident, what were the cross streets?

        • Good observation Steve,but the problem is they will just use another name and get a new one. The gas station on J and 5th street, has gone through so many they moved up to K and 7th street east. Who knows if they moved yet. I used to live by 5th and J and would see, new names pop up, busts go down and they just keep coming back. They need to be run out of here!!
          ** The previous story the accident occurred 20th street and Avenue J, intersection.
          Now with the problem surrounding the bars/stores that serve alcohol, the problem is that other people can get the alcohol from their friends if they are stopped, I think that a breathalyzer, at the exits, or at a store if the clerk detects the person may be past their limit. Bars/alcohol places of business, should give the option for these people to either have a sober driver, call a friend/family, or cab. Some should just offer a Carpool ride home. Like the grocery stores do, for their customers, who shop and have no ride!!

          **Just my thoughts going out there, not trying to cure cancer!! =]p

          • @teshi

            Well sort of but not really on the “they just change the name” stuff. Some places in the AV are really big business with investors, with insurance, with all sorts of reasons why they too want to be responsible on severing drunks. The true owners of a bar/restaurant might not know that their night shift manager is not watching the store that closely and a little poke or fine from the CA ABC brings that point home pretty quickly.

            Not going along with a Carey Nation position here, and bars and restaurants for the most part don’t what their patrons coming to their establishment, get drunk and then going out and killing someone. Bad for business, bad for public image point of view and bad from a liability stance. But stuff does happen.

            Back to my point, is there a pattern here, is the a common denominator here where both of the accused drunk drivers got intoxicated at the same place? If so what’s being done about that?

            What did Paul Harvey used to say; “The rest of the story”.

        • Honestly, you can’t blame the businesses, you have to hold the individual responsible for their own actions. People get drunk at home then make the choice to drive…If you don’t have a designated driver, it doesn’t matter how much you’ve had to drink, keep your a$$ where your at and wait until you do find one or stay home. Save lives that way. Don’t look for anyone else to blame for your dumb actions.

          • @Mel

            Not blaming, with the exception that if there are several patrons from one bar getting in accidents, then there is a presumed question of are they serving drunks and not cutting them off?