Police investigate a fatal DUI crash in Irvine.
James Anthony Deleon, a 30-year-old man from Irvine, has been charged with second-degree murder following a deadly DUI-related crash on May 2, 2025. Deleon was involved in a head-on collision that resulted in the death of 55-year-old Hoanh Thanh Ngo in Stanton. After fleeing the scene, he was apprehended by law enforcement and faces multiple charges due to his prior DUI conviction. The case raises significant concerns about road safety and driving under the influence.
An Irvine man, James Anthony Deleon, 30, has been charged with second-degree murder following a head-on collision that resulted in the death of a 55-year-old man on May 2, 2025. The crash was linked to driving under the influence (DUI) and occurred around 11 p.m. at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Pacific Avenue in Stanton.
The victim, identified as Hoanh Thanh Ngo, was driving a Toyota van when Deleon collided with him while operating a Dodge sedan. The force of the impact was severe enough to push both vehicles into a nearby parked car, resulting in significant damage. Paramedics from the Orange County Fire Authority arrived on the scene to find Ngo pronounced dead, while another person sustained injuries.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Deleon reportedly fled the scene on foot. However, he was located and arrested by law enforcement a short time later. He was subsequently booked on multiple charges, including DUI, murder, and DUI causing injury. Notably, Deleon has a prior conviction for DUI, which allowed prosecutors to elevate the charges to second-degree murder.
On May 6, 2025, authorities formally charged Deleon with second-degree murder. At his arraignment, scheduled for May 22, 2025, Deleon did not enter a plea, and he remains in custody without the possibility of bail.
The crash that led to Deleon’s serious charges raised significant concern among local residents, prompting discussions about the dangers of driving under the influence. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating the case, particularly focusing on the circumstances surrounding the crash and Deleon’s actions immediately after the collision.
Witnesses at the scene and those nearby have been asked to provide any additional information that could assist the ongoing investigation. The Center for Investigation, specifically the Major Accident Investigation Team of the Sheriff’s Department, is engaged in this matter to ensure that a comprehensive review is conducted.
Prior to this incident, Deleon had already been in trouble with the law for DUI-related offenses. He had pleaded guilty to a DUI charge in the previous year, which likely influenced the decision of prosecutors to charge him with murder instead of a lesser offense. Repeated DUI offenses often lead to harsher penalties under California law, particularly if the result of such actions leads to significant injury or fatality.
The ramifications of this case highlight ongoing concerns surrounding road safety and the choices drivers make regarding alcohol consumption. According to statistics, DUI incidents contribute to a significant portion of traffic-related fatalities each year, making this case a crucial reminder of the potential consequences of impaired driving.
As the investigation continues, local authorities have emphasized their commitment to keeping the community safe and have urged individuals to act responsibly to prevent such tragedies. Anyone with further information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (949) 425-1860.
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