Photo: Maury P. Butler
OAKLAND — A repeat DUI offender familiar to authorities caused a tragic traffic accident last Sunday. Now this tipsy driver faces more serious charges for murder, and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
The suspect tragically killed Jesaun Benson-Garrett, 19, on August 12. The victim died after he was struck by another car on northbound Highway 880. A third car hit him shortly before 2:30 a.m., after he exited his car following a two-car collision.
Maury P. Butler, 56 of Berkeley, is the driver who allegedly struck Benson-Garrett. Responding officers at the scene reported that Butler appeared intoxicated, and Butler was unable to perform sobriety tests.
Butler’s eyes were red and watery, his breath reeked of alcohol, and his speech slurred, according to Oakland police. Butler gave conflicting statements to police about whether he recently consumed any alcohol.
Moreover, Butler was driving despite having a suspended license related to prior DUI offenses.
Subsequently, police arrested Butler and booked him at Santa Rita Jail at 3:33 a.m. on August 12. The Alameda County District’s Attorney’s Office filed the charges against him on August 14.
Certainly, Butler is no stranger to law enforcement authorities in Alameda County, with his numerous prior arrests for alcohol and drugs, among other offenses. Butler has been in and out of jail several times—on and off probation—dating back to 1995.
