Musician Pleads Not Guilty Following Deadly Accident

Josh Klinghoffer, famous guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, just pleaded not guilty to a vehicular manslaughter charge after a tragic vehicle accident.

At a Glance

Josh Klinghoffer, known for his work with several major bands, has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charge.
The incident reportedly resulted in the death of 47-year-old Israel Sanchez.
Video shows Klinghoffer calling 911 immediately after the accident.
Sanchez’s family claims Klinghoffer was distracted, possibly on his phone.
Klinghoffer’s lawyer denies any criminal intent or distraction.

Details of the Incident

Klinghoffer, who played for the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019, is charged with vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. The fatal crash occurred on March 18 in Alhambra, California. Klinghoffer allegedly struck and killed Israel Sanchez, who was walking in a crosswalk when a Black 2022 GMC Yukon driven by Klinghoffer hit him. Sanchez was later pronounced dead at Huntington Hospital.

Video evidence reveals that Klinghoffer called 911 immediately following the accident, fully cooperating with police throughout the investigation. Despite this, Sanchez’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in July, accusing him of negligence and distraction, possibly due to being on his phone at the time of the crash.

Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, a former Red Hot Chili Peppers member who has also played with Pearl Jam, pleaded not guilty through his attorney Thursday to a misdemeanor manslaughter charge in the death of a pedestrian. https://t.co/Aulf9W8Ae2

— WRAL NEWS in NC (@WRAL) September 27, 2024

Legal Proceedings and Charges

The charges against Klinghoffer are for a misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence. Prosecutors attribute the accident to a failure to yield, but not to gross negligence. As part of the lawsuit against him, video footage purportedly shows Klinghoffer did not brake or slow down before hitting Sanchez. Sanchez’s family suggested Klinghoffer may have been on his phone, although one of his attorneys, Andrew Brettler, has denied this claim.

“This was a tragic accident. There was no criminal intent, nor is any alleged,” Brettler told KTLA.

Klinghoffer was released on his own recognizance, with his arraignment taking place Thursday. His lawyer, Blair Berk, pleaded not guilty on his behalf. His legal team maintains that there was no criminal intent involved in the incident.

Klinghoffer’s Background and Career

Klinghoffer’s career spans over a decade with notable contributions to bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, and Jane’s Addiction. His tenure with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, which vaulted him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, ended in 2019. He has also performed with other prominent artists such as Gnarls Barkley, Iggy Pop, and Morrissey, while also pursuing a solo career under the name Pluralone.