Man With Multiple DUIs Pleads No Contest To Murder

A Santa Rosa man who struck and killed a pedestrian and his dog with his vehicle in west Santa Rosa last year pleaded no contest to murder today in Sonoma County Superior Court.

Andrew Michael Tungseth, 35, faces 15 years to life in prison when he is sentenced March 18, Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch said.

Tungseth’s 2004 Toyota Tacoma struck Victor Buxbaum, 52, of Santa Rosa, and his dog Argus around 7:30 p.m. on July 10, 2013 as they walked on the right shoulder of Stony Point Road north of Todd Road. Both died at the scene.

The Toyota continued north on the right shoulder of the road and struck two parked vehicles before it stopped, the California Highway Patrol said.

Tungseth had three DUI convictions between 2000 and 2009 and will have to serve 15 years before he is eligible for parole, Ravitch said. Tungseth was warned that if he killed someone while driving drunk he could be charged with murder, Ravitch said.

“Sadly and predictably, when this repeat offender chose to drive under the influence yet again, it led to the victim paying the ultimate price,” Ravitch said.

The CHP said multiple prescription-strength drugs, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found in Tungseth’s truck.

Ravitch said Tungseth was under the influence of oxycodone, morphine, marijuana and other drugs at the time of the collision.

--Bay City News

--Image via Shutterstock

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