California Man Sentenced in Fatal Head-On Collision

A California driver reportedly under the influence of alcohol was convicted recently of murdering a 45-year-old Corona Del Mar man by crashing into the victim in a head-on collision on Ortega Highway.

Luis Adan Ramirez, 34, Santa Ana, was found guilty of felonies for murder, child abuse and endangerment, and hit and run with permanent injury or death. Ramirez faces a maximum sentence of 16 years and 4 months to life in prison at his sentencing on May 23.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 5, 2006, Ramirez was driving on Ortega Highway with his friend and the friend’s 10-year-old daughter. The defendant had reportedly been drinking at his friend’s home that morning and had a blood alcohol level of .23 percent. Ramirez lost control of his car and swerved into the right shoulder of the road, and then swerved again across the highway onto the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic.

The defendant crashed head-on into 45-year-old Timothy Lysgaard, who was riding his motorcycle, killing the victim on impact. Ramirez’ car then went over a 150 foot embankment. After crashing his car, Ramirez was reportedly seen by witnesses throwing several beer cans from the vehicle. The defendant then left his friend and the 10-year-old girl and fled the scene on foot.

Approximately one mile from the scene of the crash, Ramirez climbed back up the embankment to the road and attempted to hitchhike. Three Good Samaritans, who were aware of the crash and that the driver who was responsible had fled, saw Ramirez covered in blood on the side of the road and detained him until police arrived.