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Wrong-Way Driver Charged in Deaths of Director and Son

Posted Apr 6th 2007 4:23PM by TMZ Staff

TMZ has learned that the L.A. District Attorney has just charged the drunk driver in the Pacific Coast Highway wreck that killed director Bob Clark and his son Ariel.

Hector Velazquez Nava, 24, was charged with two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated; one for each of the victims, and he's being held in a Los Angeles County jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. If convicted, Nava faces up to twelve years in prison.

The "Christmas Story" director, 67, and his 22-year-old son were killed in a horrific crash on PCH in the early morning hours on Wednesday, when their Infiniti was struck by Nava's GMC Yukon.

UPDATE: Nava has just pleaded "not guilty" to the charges. His bail was increased to $200,000. He remains in custody.

Tags: bob clark, BobClark, christmas story, ChristmasStory

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46. 47 - I agree totally~

Just increase the punishment for FIRST TIME offenders of drunk driving and perhaps that will deter others.

Make bars take the driver's keys & license and return after giving a breathalizer (if they pass).

There has to be a way of decreasing the number of innocent people who are obeying the law that are being killed by people who are getting wasted or just having "one" big drink and still being under the influence. Perhaps more public awareness (tv ads) of how little a person can drink to be considered impaired to drive and also to dispel myths.

Posted at 8:25AM on Apr 7th 2007 by Juli

47. Where the hell is the justice for the victims and their families. 12 years only for taking 2 lives. I can't believe it. Why not just let him off. What a waste of time and money for the court system. If you're going to charge someone with vehicular manslaughter then it should be at least a minimun of 20 years for each life. He chose to drink and drive. It was a consciene decision on his part when he took the first drink. No one poured it down his throat.

What happened to the woman that was in the car with Nava? Did she die as well? I haven't heard.

I hope the Judge that gets the case makes an example of him to all other drunk drivers and throws the book at him. Never to see the light of day again.

Posted at 8:37AM on Apr 7th 2007 by Only in America

48. Liz,you're the most racist person here.
"Jobs that lazy Americans won't do".Quit using that for an excuse.
I've done all sorts of jobs like that. The difference is I won't do them for .75 an hour.

Posted at 7:22PM on Apr 7th 2007 by juju

49. Funny how the police didn't do anything when Brandy killed to lady, but when its the other way around its hell to pay.

Posted at 11:47PM on Apr 8th 2007 by Celeste

50. Do you realize that Ariel Clark { murdered 22 yr old son of Bob Clark] had awesome talent himself? He played in the band " The Heroes Of Paradise". This band played all original compositions written by Ariel and fellow band member Colin. To listen to a sample of their music, go to myspace.com The Heroes of Paradise. Ariel will be missed by many people coast to coast.

Posted at 1:18PM on Apr 10th 2007 by Lynn Hu

51. This is not a drunk driving issue; nor a race issue, it is a criminal, legal issue. To the people who have written in and making racial attacks; the mere fact that they have the audasity to make such racial comments, they are the bigets.

Criminal immigrants. These people are here illegally. The family cannot sue them, since I am sure he had no insurance, nor any assets. Los Angeles should be sued for accomodating these people (and every other city in this great Country, likewise). Maybe after they get sued and hit for a few million dollars that they will take a stronger stance in getting rid of this every growing, ruination of our Country, problem.

Posted at 9:17PM on Apr 15th 2007 by cheryl

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