Man Convicted in Fremont DUI Crash That Killed Marine Just Home From Afghanistan

Fremont, CA — An Emeryville man who knocked down nine to 12 shots of Jameson Whiskey at a Fremont bar before he got behind the wheel of his car has been convicted of second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter.

A jury reached the verdict last week in the case against Alexander Yohn.

According to Fremont Police, several people tried to stop Yohn from driving that night, March 24, 2014. One even called 911.

Just as officers arrived, Yohn got into his vehicle and sped away on Fremont Boulevard. He blew through a red light at 80 miles an hour without incident.

Tragedy awaited at the next red light.

According to police, "Yohn continued speeding in the northbound direction and ran a second red-light at Decoto Road. At that same time, Andrew Silva, an active United States Marine who had recently returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, was riding on his motorcycle traveling eastbound through the green light on Decoto Road. At 1:13 a.m., Yohn’s vehicle collided with Silva’s motorcycle in the intersection of Fremont Boulevard and Decoto Road. Tragically, Andrew Silva died instantly as a result of the collision."

Yohn crashed into a wooden pole a short time later. After a brief foot chase he was caught by officers in an adjacent field.

One hour after the crash, Yohn's blood alcohol level was 0.23 percent. He also had suboxone, an opiate used to help with heroin addiction, in his system.

Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 10.

Yohn has a prior conviction for driving under the influence in 2010.

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