Yucca Valley man charged with murder in deadly DUI crash on Halloween

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - A 68-year-old man was charged with murder in a deadly DUI crash on Halloween in Yucca Valley.

Forrest Stibbens, 68, of Yucca Valley pleaded not guilty to all charges Wednesday in court. Stibbens is charged with murder, vehicular manslaughter, and DUI – causing injury to another person. 

Stibbens' arrest stems from a deadly suspected DUI crash that occurred at around 3 p.m. on Friday in the area of Yucca Mesa Road, near Sunflower Drive.

Police said Stibbens' SUV crossed over the solid double yellow line and the front the vehicle struck the front of a Ford Fiesta, causing major damage to both vehicles.

The driver of the Ford Fiesta, identified as James Tappon, 69, of Yucca Valley, was pronounced dead. Stibbens sustained major injuries.

Investigators determined Stibbens was driving under the influence, police said.

Stibbens remains in custody on bail. He is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 12.