Photo: victim Darren Walker
FREMONT — What happened was tragic for the victim and the suspect. A man with prior DUIs was arrested again—only now he is accused of killing his buddy while driving drunk.
The victim, Darren Walker, 32 of Fremont, died on Interstate 680. Walker was killed last month in a freeway crash not far from his home. His friend and survivor, Tyler Underwood, 31 of Newark, is in custody facing numerous charges, including murder.
Underwood was arrested several weeks after a California Highway Patrol investigation of the crash. Authorities believe the victim’s death was caused by Underwood, while racing another car on the freeway.
Underwood lost control of his car and it crashed into a tree on the side of the freeway. Inside the car, Walker, another unidentified person, and Underwood’s own 4-year-old daughter were passengers. Only Walker perished in the crash which happened on October 9th.
During the CHP investigation, evidence was gathered from witnesses, and video recorded by a surveillance camera. However, nearly a month passed before Underwood was arrested.
Underwood remains in custody at Santa Rita Jail. He is ineligible for bond because his probation for a prior DUI conviction was subsequently revoked. His plea hearing is scheduled on November 30th.
Including the murder charge, Underwood faces a total of 20 charges filed by the Alameda District Attorney’s Office. His other new DUI-related charges include vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and child endangerment.
Earlier this year, Underwood was sentenced to probation for 3 years for a DUI. In addition, Underwood has other prior DUI arrests on his record involving alcohol or drugs.
