Man convicted of vehicular homicide

By Terry Murry on Friday, June 9th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

KENNEWICK – After a six-day trial, Jesus Avalos Chavez, 44, of Walla Walla was found guilty Tuesday by a Benton County jury of vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol.

The crime was committed in March 2021. Chavez drove into oncoming traffic on State Route 14 near Patterson, causing a head-on collision that took the life of Manuel Guajardo Jr., 68, of Kennewick.

Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Eisinger said a toxicology report showed that Chavez had a blood alcohol content of 0.18.

Chavez is currently in custody at the Benton County Jail. A sentencing hearing will be set later.

Photo of collision on March 5, 2021, via Washington State Patrol