SAN RAMON, CA — A Pleasanton man convicted of killing a Castro Valley woman in a high-speed, drunk driving crash was sentenced to 14 years and 8 months in prison.
On Sept. 24, 28-year-old Badal Dholaria pleaded no contest to three felonies, including voluntary manslaughter, according to Contra Costa County Superior Court records.
Dholaria also pleaded no contest to driving under the influence causing injury and assault by force likely to cause great bodily injury, and admitted to allegations of causing great bodily injury and using a deadly or dangerous weapon. A Contra Costa County Superior Court judge found him guilty of the three charges.
San Ramon police said that on Nov. 29, 2025, Dholaria was driving drunk at more than 150 mph westbound on Crow Canyon Road. He was driving at least 120 mph when he hit the rear passenger side of a Ford Bronco. The crash killed Alix Sparks, a 41-year-old nurse and Castro Valley resident, according to reports citing the Contra Costa County Coroner's Office. Her husband Gregory and one of their dogs was also injured in the crash, according to a report in Pleasanton Weekly.
Dholaria was sentenced to 14 years and 8 months on Oct. 15. He will receive credit for 322 days already served, and 48 for good conduct, according to Contra Costa County records.
Contra Costa Superior Judge Stephanie Clarke said that the court could impose victim restitution at a later hearing, according to Pleasanton Weekly.
Friends and family remembered Sparks for her dedication to her patients and colleagues, as well as her love of baking, gardening and hiking, according to Pleasanton Weekly.
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