Connecting You to Your Community
Lodi, California •

Story Tools

Email this story | Print this story

Indexes


November 30th, 2008
November 29th, 2008
November 28th, 2008
November 27th, 2008
November 26th, 2008
November 25th, 2008
November 24th, 2008
ADVERTISEMENT

Regional Roundup

Third victim of Atkins Road crash identified

By News-Sentinel Staff
Updated: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 6:16 AM PDT
Comments (120 comment(s))

A woman who died nearly three weeks ago in a fiery Clements vehicle crash that killed three people was officially identified Sunday as Crystal Marie Carson-Scott, 25.

Additionally, toxicology reports showed that she was driving under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the crash, investigators said.

However, the other driver, 29-year-old Brandon Baker of Lodi, is still considered to have caused the accident by crossing over the center line into Carson-Scott's lane, California Highway Patrol spokesman Officer Adrian Quintero said Monday.

Baker, who had more than the legal amount of alcohol in his system, crashed into Carson-Scott's car on July 25 on Atkins Road. CHP investigators said Baker was driving at a high rate of speed and that the force of the crash caused Carson-Scott's Volvo to burst into flames, starting a large grass fire.

Carson-Scott, Baker and Baker's passenger, Jeremiah Davis, 22, of Lockeford, died at the scene. Autopsies revealed that all three died of blunt force injuries, coroner's officials said Monday.

Though officials and relatives were certain Carson-Scott was in the burnt Volvo, San Joaquin County coroner's officials had to confirm her identity. When they could not use dental records, they compared her DNA with her mother's, and her body was finally released to the family on Monday, coroner's officials said.

Man accused of robbing, threatening station clerk

A Thornton man was jailed on more than $500,000 bail early Monday, accused of threatening and pushing a gas station clerk as he stole beer.

The arrest of Juan Manuel Contreras, 22, happened five days after he pleaded no contest to assault, according to San Joaquin County court records.

Contreras allegedly entered the Chevron station on West Walnut Grove Road around 12:17 a.m. Monday, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office.

Contreras allegedly pushed the clerk and threatened him, saying that if he called police, Contreras would "see him later," according to a Sheriff's report.

The clerk was able to write down the suspect's license plate number, which deputies tracked to Contreras' residence, officials said. Contreras was arrested on suspicion of robbery, making criminal threats and intimidating a vicim.

He was booked into the county jail on $566,666 bail and is expected to be arraigned in Lodi court on Wednesday.

Contreras was last in a Lodi courtroom on Aug. 8, when a judge ordered him to begin serving a 90-day jail sentence by Sept. 10 and to stay away from the female assault victim, according to court records.

Two file for fire board; filing period extended

Incumbents Bill Stokes and Mary Grundman have filed for re-election to the Thornton fire board, according to the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters. The filing period closed Friday. Their terms will be for four years.

However, a two-year seat remains up for grabs, since appointed incumbent Jim Allan didn't file by 5 p.m. Friday. The filing period for that seat, which will expire in 2009, will end at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Allan is ineligible for filing for the two-year seat.

But if no one files for the two-year seat, the other four fire board members will recommend someone to the fifth seat, and it could be Allan or someone else, said Gina Verstrepen of the country registrar's office. The final decision would lie with the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.

For more information, call the registrar's office at 468-3191.

Reader Feedback

Done Deal wrote on Aug 27, 2007 7:56 PM:

" Not an acquaintance or a supporter of Brandon, but I speak from personal experience when I say that due to his past record he will not get a fair shake in this tragedy. I experienced similar events and since I had a prior conviction it was assumed that I caused the accident, when in fact, I had not. Even my attorney warned me to be prepared. It's a done deal. "

Report Abuse

Facts are wrote on Aug 27, 2007 12:58 PM:

" They were both driving illegally.. Neither one should have been on the road... They both broke the law and both have paid for it with their lives... "

Report Abuse

CONT... wrote on Aug 27, 2007 12:27 PM:

" All three people died of blunt force trauma meaning none of them felt any pain, but at the scene the only pain felt is for all three involved who are no longer here. No one knows what really happened...CHP can only go by what they THINK happened, they don't know for sure! The people are dead for Christ sake, they know but can't say! DROP IT ALREADY! Don't you people have anything better to do? "

Report Abuse

A friend of all involved cont... wrote on Aug 27, 2007 12:24 PM:

" We country folk know the facts...and to all that have seen the actually accident scene know that there is no physical evidence of anyone crossing over any line or any brake marks period. I personally walked a whole football field looking for the evidence that my friend is truly gone. Evidence I got was a horrific scene! "

Report Abuse

A friend of all involved wrote on Aug 27, 2007 12:23 PM:

" This is truly riduculous...RCP I hate to tell you but you missed the article a week and a half ago that clearly stated Brandon's toxicology report was in and he was well over the legal limit. The facts however, are in the eye of the beholder. I was very close to Baker, I happen to know a fact that 2 beers can put someone well over the legal limit but not be drunk. "

Report Abuse

The facts are Baker killed 2 innocnet people... wrote on Aug 27, 2007 11:31 AM:

" Say he wasn't "legally" drunk. That doesn't change the fact that he went over into someone else's lane and killed her. He was still driving wrecklessly. So it really doesn't matter the only thing that it will prove is he had an alcohol problem. "

Report Abuse

LOL wrote on Aug 27, 2007 11:23 AM:

" You Go RCP!! "

Report Abuse

RCP? wrote on Aug 26, 2007 4:01 PM:

" Lodian: Question # 2: Are you the product of abusive alcoholic parents or spouse? Is that the reason you feel you need to castigate Brandon even though you have NO facts? There is a psychomedical term for your issue. It is called misplaced anger. Seek help. "

Report Abuse

RCP? wrote on Aug 26, 2007 3:57 PM:

" Lodian: Question #1: Where did you get your facts? Do you know someone in the CHP department who is giving you info on the sly? Unless you do, you have NO facts at all. The Official Report is not out yet. And again, this particular article is not about Brandon and drunk driving. Read it again. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 26, 2007 10:36 AM:

" RCP: Let me help you. Fact#1. Brandon was drunk. Fact#2. Brandon was driving drunk. Fact#3. Brandon drove out of his lane and hit an on-coming car. Fact#4. Brandon killed Crystal and his friend JD. Fact#5. Brandon made choices that led to the killing of two people besides himself. Are there any other facts that you do not understand that pertain to this drunk driving choice and subsequent killing of two people by Brandon Baker? Perhaps you need to read/comprehend the several articles/facts that have been presented. Follow along on the entire story. That will help you understand. "

Report Abuse

jessica frm lkfrd wrote on Aug 25, 2007 9:38 AM:

" how can all u sit around and bicker back an forth about someones passing??? im glad u all got to express ur fellings, FEEL better? when people die u remember the good things about them. the way they smiled, the way they laughed. u dont drag any one name in the dirt. their problems r no one bussiness BUT u ALWAYS HAVE THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO, BUT TALK!!!!! "

Report Abuse

Friend to Crystal's Mom wrote on Aug 25, 2007 7:27 AM:

" So VERY sorry, may she rest in peace. Gods love and strengh to you.It's not fair,it's wrong,it's the unnatural order of loss and I can't even imagine a worse pain anyone could ever have to undertake.No matter what "MOM", FEEL WHAT YOU FEEL AT EVERY MOMENT AND DO NOT CHANGE HOW YOUR FEELING FOR ANYONE ELSE. NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE OR WHO IS AROUND! Grief SUCKS! Loss SUCKS! Healing HURTS! But your love for your baby girl will be your strength! Kiss that baby boy 2 times, EVERYTIME. (second one for/from his sister)Love & Prayers To You Old Friend. "

Report Abuse

RCP? wrote on Aug 24, 2007 9:06 PM:

" Lodian: Do you have reading comprehension problems? I believe this particular article's main purpose is to inform us that; a) the body of the other driver has been identified and; b) she was on meth. I believe I'm not alone when I say I think YOU missed the issue. D&D is not the "issue" of this forum- it is YOUR issue. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 23, 2007 8:27 PM:

" BB: Who ever said it was okay to drive all jacked up on meth? Besides, drunk driving is the issue here. "

Report Abuse

BB wrote on Aug 22, 2007 9:36 PM:

" I understand alcohol is a drug....but why is meth illegal and against the law? I'm not saying either one is okay, they BOTH take you out of reality and not in your right mind. The way you people talk is like its okay to drive all jacked up on meth and against the law to have 2 or 3 beers which makes you "drunk." Please, these druggies terrify me and can be to blame too. "

Report Abuse

to BB wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:48 PM:

" Alcohol is also a drug and it is a lot more available to everyone than anything else. Alcohol is the first and foremost drug of choice in this country... and then you get to drive home. Death will follow. "

Report Abuse

the "other" wrote on Aug 22, 2007 1:08 AM:

" ..."The California Highway Patrol reported that Brandon Baker, 29, of Lodi had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit when the Chevrolet El Camino he was driving south on Atkins Road veered into the oncoming lane of traffic and struck Scott’s Volvo head-on." (From the "other" paper) "

Report Abuse

BB wrote on Aug 21, 2007 7:44 PM:

" Too bad the Stockton Record doesn't tell the whole truth....DRUGS ARE BAD... they are the ruin of our society, go to downtown Lodi and you will see......wake up people. We are skipping around the truth! I have seen many people fall into drugs and become out of reality...so I believe that is was worth mentioning! "

Report Abuse

For a proper article regarding this... wrote on Aug 21, 2007 11:54 AM:

" go check out http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070821/A_NEWS/70821005 IF LNS will post this. "

Report Abuse

To "lives on atkins road" wrote on Aug 21, 2007 9:24 AM:

" Those comments were not meant for you, they were meant for the "to lives on atkins road" comment posted on August 17, 2007 at 10:39pm. Sorry that you thought those were for you. "

Report Abuse

lives on atkins wrote on Aug 20, 2007 8:42 PM:

" And to "to lives on atkins to lodian", i wasnt backpeddling, I dont want loud music at night, i dont like it that doesnt mean i donr understand their greif. lodian just indicated that they might have been drunk and i wanted to clarify that it didnt seem like that, it was not a drunk fest...thats all. "

Report Abuse

lives on atkins wrote on Aug 20, 2007 7:41 PM:

" this is confusing...to "tolives on atkins to lodian" what in the heck are you talking about? I didnt crucify any one, i just asked if the loud music could stop at 2:00am, i understand the grief, I have never left any thing let alone a beer can. They said sorry and it hasnt happened again "

Report Abuse

To "tolives on atkins to lodian" wrote on Aug 19, 2007 4:51 PM:

" You must be leaving the beer cans and keeping this drama going. Brandons friends and family are not doing this. It is a sick game that people are playing to crucify Brandon more. "

Report Abuse

to Sorry to lives on Atkins wrote on Aug 18, 2007 9:40 AM:

" You are still saying it doesn't matter? Well, it does matter to some of us who was at fault. "

Report Abuse

to sam wrote on Aug 18, 2007 9:38 AM:

" Are you okay with all the beer cans at the memorial too? "

Report Abuse

to lives on atkins to lodian wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:39 PM:

" Then don't complain if you don't have a problem with it. You were irritated enough to post a complaint and now your backpeddling. why is that? Oh, and you are wrong...the beer cans are still there...well, maybe more were added since you were last driving by. Go check it out now. "

Report Abuse

to That's like leaving cigarettes wrote on Aug 17, 2007 10:37 PM:

" Thats sort of sick. But did your mom kill anyone else with her smoking? Well, maybe she gave you cancer from the second hand smoke. Hope your getting checked on that. "

Report Abuse

Sorry to lives on Atkins wrote on Aug 17, 2007 9:19 PM:

" Didn't want to bother anyone, we just miss him. Doesn"t matter anymore if he or anyone else was at fault. We just want to remember them and what they were all about. Sorry... "

Report Abuse

sam wrote on Aug 17, 2007 8:34 PM:

" to Lives On Atkins: Glad to that hear that your family is safe... and glad to hear , that even though the 2:30 song was annoying, you knew it was intended for those in heaven. May your family stay safe. Love them hard and much. "

Report Abuse

lives on atkins to lodian wrote on Aug 17, 2007 3:36 PM:

" all alcohol cans and bottles have been removed some time ago. this mornings tribute wasnt like a wild thing, it was one car playing one touching song, its just that it was loud enough to wake everyone up...im sure they can hear softly played music in heaven... "

Report Abuse

That's like leaving cigarettes wrote on Aug 17, 2007 1:22 PM:

" Not everyone thinks as you do.. My mother died of emphazema... When I visit her, I always smoke a cigarette for her... She loved smoking, she smoked to the day she died, oxygen and all.. Sorry, but this was her and one of the things I will always remember about her.. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 17, 2007 11:52 AM:

" lives on atkins: Be careful. Hopefully those people at 2:30 am are not drunk as well. The memorial site area may be a bit more dangerous than usual if these kinds of memorial tributes continue. It's the drinking then driving that cannot be tolerated. Is that where the beer cans are coming from...the early morning tributes? "

Report Abuse

lives on atkins wrote on Aug 17, 2007 9:08 AM:

" The memorials and the burned property are enough daily reminder that it could have been any member of my family taken out that day,,,but the 2:30am serenade of Brad Paisley waking up the whole neighborhood & sending everdog crazy within miles was a bit much. "

Report Abuse

To Memorials Headstones... wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:04 PM:

" Brandon killed 2 innocent people and himself from drinking. Leaving any type of alcohol as a "tribute" is disgusting and in more bad taste than I can even think of. That's like leaving cigarettes at the grave of someone who died from emphazema or lung cancer. "

Report Abuse

sam wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:06 PM:

" To Memorials: I lost a brother to cancer. We loved harvesting the grapes togerther and sharing the harvest. I toast him with a great glass of zin. Neither he, nor I, ever drove under the influence, but I know he apreciates my toast. Memorials are personal. I so understand your post. "

Report Abuse

To Memorial...Headstones wrote on Aug 16, 2007 8:48 PM:

" I believe you are right when you say it is not for some to understand, particularly for those ignorants who think they know everthing when they really can't see anything due to their blind rush to judgement. The most important thing is, they did not know our friend Brandon. If they did, they would understand why everyone is so loyal to him. "

Report Abuse

To to wait for wrote on Aug 16, 2007 8:41 PM:

" Shows how much you people really know. Absolutely nothing!!! I repeat for the billionth time...The Official Accident Report is NOT out yet!!! The team of investigators you speak of are not finished. As Lockeford has said, the new toxicology report on Crystal raises new questions. "

Report Abuse

to Duece wrote on Aug 16, 2007 6:19 PM:

" people that took meth a few days ago are not as dangerous on the oad as a drunk that just stumbled out of a bar. get it?? meth can be in the body for a week. it can show to be there longer if the test is done on the hair. "

Report Abuse

to Memorials.. Headstones wrote on Aug 16, 2007 6:17 PM:

" Sorry your husband lost his life, but this is BIIIIG DIFFERENCE! The cause of death to three young people was due to over consumption of alcohol.....a drunk! How disrespectful do you think it is to leave alcohol at the site where a drunk killed people? You don't get that? "

Report Abuse

Memorials.. Headstones wrote on Aug 16, 2007 3:43 PM:

" Hey, my husband died at a young age, he loved his beer.. I always leave a beer at his grave when I go to visit.. He was an upstanding, hardworking and well respected man that loved beer. And no, he did not die of an alcohol related accident.. I don't find this disrespectful, beer was a part of him... Maybe the same reason Brandon's friends are leaving the beer cans... Maybe some of you don't understand, but, I suppose it isn't for you to understand.. "

Report Abuse

Duece wrote on Aug 16, 2007 2:57 PM:

" To Ward Family wrote on Aug 14, 2007 12:10 PM: Drugs stay in your system up to 30 days or longer. Shut up if you dont know what your talking about. Meth stays in your system for between 48 and 72 hours. So she was obviously on it very recently before the crash. "

Report Abuse

To Wait For wrote on Aug 16, 2007 1:51 PM:

" The CHP spokesman who has said the accident is Brandon's fault isn't "one lone officer". He's speaking for the team of investigators, and he wouldn't be releasing any info. that wasn't in the report. The info. he has released is accurate, or he wouldn't be making any statement at all. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:39 AM:

" to "TO WELL": Who is putting the beer cans at the site? If you are a friend then maybe you should go take them and throw them away. It is not honoring a dead friend, that died driving drunk, to leave beer cans at his memorial site. That's really sick. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:34 AM:

" For Sure: Really? Somehow this does not surprise me, though I would have thought you would like to remember your friend in a better light than that. May God help him (and you) to see the light. "

Report Abuse

to to well wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:28 AM:

" who the heck else would be putting beer cans at the site? how dumb do u think people are? it sure isnt the beer fairy. "

Report Abuse

To Lockeford... wrote on Aug 16, 2007 11:21 AM:

" There are NO new questions raised. SHE was in HER lane, Brandon was IN HER LANE. He caused the accident not her. She tried to stop, she saw a car coming at her and probably knew she was going to die. How would YOU feel knowing that? Say it all you like, but those results don't change the FACT that Brandon is the cause of their deaths. "

Report Abuse

TO WELL wrote on Aug 16, 2007 10:36 AM:

" YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HIS FRIENDS ARE LIKE. DO YOU KNOW WHO PUT THE BEER CANS THEIR? WHY ASSUME IT WAS HIS FRIENDS. "

Report Abuse

Lockeford wrote on Aug 16, 2007 10:14 AM:

" To Lockeford: Actually, I can read, thanks for asking. However, the official police report has not been submitted, and with the new toxiciology report on the other driver it raises alot of questions. Again, both drivers were impaired, and both being high and drinking cause accidents. No need for me to wake up, I just have common sense. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:59 AM:

" When driving, don't be impaired in any way. Look what can become of it...sorrow, heartache, misery and death. Hope that is clear to at least one person that thought it was cool to drink and drive before all this happened. I would think that all the families and friends would like that message to come across to at least one person they know. Peace. "

Report Abuse

to for sure wrote on Aug 16, 2007 9:33 AM:

" shows your mentality. you just painted a even worse picture of brandon by saying what you said. also he is not looking down from heaven. he is in his grave until jesus comes for all of us. he knows nothing. the dead no nothing. read your bible To lodian, you have a good points although i think blogging is too much a way of life for you. to HUH, who is quiet, i am reading all types of peoples comments regarding brandon so that didnt make sense. "

Report Abuse

to Lockeford wrote on Aug 16, 2007 1:01 AM:

" brandon was a drunk and killed two people. you can't change the facts. wake up!!!! the report is in and brandon was the one at fault. can you read??? "

Report Abuse

well wrote on Aug 16, 2007 12:58 AM:

" The alcohol at Baker's memorial site shows exactly the kind of mentality of his friends, so does the posts here on this board. These people are all about drinking and they don't think it's a big deal at all to drive drunk. A death by a drunk doesn't mean much to them I guess. It's just another excuse to party and drink beer. "

Report Abuse

For Sure wrote on Aug 15, 2007 11:27 PM:

" One thing is for sure, Lodian. Baker is not looking down praying. He is looking down and chuckling that such a respectable do-gooder like yourself is spending so much time on him. He loved putting burs under the saddle of your ilk! "

Report Abuse

Wait for the Report wrote on Aug 15, 2007 11:22 PM:

" Funny that so many are jumping to conclusions based on what one lone officer presumed. How in the world would he KNOW when the official accident report is not even out yet? Baker may be at fault, or it could have been Crystal's fault. "

Report Abuse

sam wrote on Aug 15, 2007 8:16 PM:

" Ward Family: Amen. Let it stop now. Mourn the dead, learn from their actions, quit condemning, and move on. In their honor... live well and love much. "

Report Abuse

atkins traveller wrote on Aug 15, 2007 8:00 PM:

" The alcohol bottles have been removed from the memorial, Thank you. "

Report Abuse

Fatal Accident Survivor wrote on Aug 15, 2007 6:27 PM:

" I've written on these blogs before. I survived a fatal accident two years ago caused by a drunk driver. The people who insist they know more about what happened than the CHP's trained accident investigators have me shaking my head. Not only does the CHP look at skid marks, but they look at gouge marks in the pavement and all sorts of other things. The CHP says Brandon caused the accident, Crystal braked hard, and Brandon crossed the center divider. I believe the CHP. I've seen them work, and they know their stuff. "

Report Abuse

JBG wrote on Aug 15, 2007 5:59 PM:

" To Ward Family-We agree 100% with you!- "

Report Abuse

Lockeford wrote on Aug 15, 2007 5:57 PM:

" You jump all over Brandon and point fingers at him from what the reports say, but not at the whole situation and additional reports, which is hypocritical. Are you saying that is excusable to drive while high? I don't think so. Lastly, before you ask, no I'm not putting beer cans at the crash, and are you certain it was his friends and family? Did you see it? If you didn't you have no room to speculate. "

Report Abuse

Lockeford wrote on Aug 15, 2007 5:56 PM:

" Lodian: I dont think anyone is trying to lessen the blame. But what your saying is that it is okay to drive while under the influence of methamphetamine? Please, both drivers where impaired, and it does raise a question. Until I read a police report that says Brandon was 100% at fault, I will continue to question the whole accident. Read the report again, "Additionally, toxicology reports showed that she was driving under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the crash, investigators said." "

Report Abuse

Ward Family wrote on Aug 15, 2007 3:53 PM:

" You absolutely right, only God really knows.. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. "

Report Abuse

Weezer wrote on Aug 15, 2007 3:12 PM:

" A drunk driver can cause an accident regardless whether the other party is sober, drunk, high on meth, etc. You don't drink and drive. It's as simple as that. "

Report Abuse

Alcohol needs to be removed wrote on Aug 15, 2007 1:17 PM:

" Bakers memorial is full of alcohol bottles and beer cans! It makes me absolutely sick and it just shows that alcohol must have been a major part of his life! It should be removed, I am try to go show my love and respect to Crystal everyday and I am tired of seeing alcohol on Bakers memorial sight! "

Report Abuse

Ward Family wrote on Aug 15, 2007 1:15 PM:

" I think everyone needs to stop pointing fingers, all of the facts are out and everyone is going to have a different opinion as to what happened, but ONLY GOD really knows. Let these families try to heal and deal with the loss of their loved ones. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 15, 2007 12:55 PM:

" continued... And it is the right thing to do because if we excuse his drunk driving then what has anyone learned from these deaths? Or maybe you could care less that you and others here are continually glossing over the fact that Brandon was drunk and drove a vehicle into another human being and killed her along with his buddy. You should be ashamed for belittling the victims and trying to sling mud at them. Shame on you. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 15, 2007 12:55 PM:

" Lodi resident: YOU need to stop minimizing reality here. And why do you want everyone to stop pointing the finger at Brandon? He's the one that was driving drunk and reckless and killed two people! My God! You want us all to turn away and pretend he didn't commit this horrific act. Sorry, you feel that way, but it isn't going to happen. The finger will always be pointed at this man for what he has done. continued... "

Report Abuse

Happy Days wrote on Aug 15, 2007 12:37 PM:

" Look, faulting Crystal for having Meth in her blood is like saying a gunshot victim would've died anyhow because he was a smoker. There is no causal relationship. Brandon killed two people with his recklessness. That is something his family and friends have to come to terms with. Crystal wasn't perfect, none of us are, but what seperates that is a VERY BRIGHT LINE of cause - she didn't kill, he did. Period. "

Report Abuse

No one knows the truth, unless you were there wrote on Aug 15, 2007 11:13 AM:

" Lodian wrote: The bottom line is Brandon was determined to be at fault LNS Wrote: "considered" to have caused the accident by crossing over the center line into Carson-Scott's lane. "considered" "accident" hmmmm... "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 15, 2007 11:04 AM:

" READ THE QUOTE, "...Brandon Baker of Lodi, is still considered to have caused the accident by crossing over the center line into Carson-Scott's lane, California Highway Patrol spokesman Officer Adrian Quintero said Monday." "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 15, 2007 10:55 AM:

" Yes...this is absolutely horrific and the friends/families of the lost-loved-ones are in the excruciating gut-wrenching deep depths of pain that will take forever to change. With that said we cannot...as a society or even a poster on a simple message board...just "shut-up" because of the pain. Hasn't the act itself caused the pain? How about talking about this even louder so more pain doesn't come to another family? We cannot stop the dialogue as to lesson the pain for someone that chooses to read a message-board. These boards are for the voices that want to be heard. Let-us-be-heard! "

Report Abuse

To Sue McCrakken... wrote on Aug 15, 2007 10:53 AM:

" You can type "illegal" 18 million times but that still doesn't change the fact that Brandon caused the accident. HE was in HER lane. HE hit HER car. She braked and tried to avoid him. HE was driving crazy and drunk, which by the way is also ILLEGAL... Keep trying to change it but you can't. "

Report Abuse

Lodi resident wrote on Aug 15, 2007 10:42 AM:

" TO LODIAN: Everyone needs to stop pointing their fingers and realize that both parties were impaired. Brandon on alcohol and Crystal on meth. It is a sad story all the way around. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 15, 2007 10:26 AM:

" Huh...:...It's not people on a message board that are hurting Brandon's family and friends. My God! It was Brandon that hurt his family and friends, not a message board. You will do anything, but look at the truth. I wish more of you were this involved with Brandon's drinking/reckless driving issues before all of this happened. Maybe lives could have been saved. Hopefully Brandon is looking down on you now and praying you will not make the same bad choices he made. Will you learn from this...or continue to brush over the fact that Brandon was driving drunk/reckless? "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 15, 2007 10:16 AM:

" Friend: Where do you come up with this stuff? The police are not certain? Look again. We know Brandon was impaired and his car was in Crystal's lane. What does that tell you? Are you saying the police are liars? Are you saying the neighbors are liars? Are you saying the rescue people are liars too? Stop with this garbage. Your buddy was drunk and chose to drive. He was impaired enough ( blood tested legally drunk) that he was compromised and reckless and hit an oncoming car. THAT is the truth. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 15, 2007 10:12 AM:

" continued... You continue to want to discredit the victim here, as usual for enablers, but you need to stop this crusade to make Brandon out to be something he is not, innocent. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 15, 2007 10:09 AM:

" Some of you seem to want to make-up your own facts. Not excusing drug use, but you need to know that there was meth in Crystal's system and it does not say she was..."high". Meth use disgusts me, but meth has been determined to stay in the system...(body tissue)...for over a week...(or more)...depending on how they made the determination...hair tox report...etc. The bottom line is Brandon was determined to be at fault due to his drunk/reckless driving, as he had been caught doing before. This time he killed two people. Is that information escaping all of you?...continued... "

Report Abuse

To Lodian wrote on Aug 15, 2007 9:54 AM:

" I have watched everything you've said for days on this subject and I agree with you 100%. You are the only one on this blog thats telling the truth, as ugly as it is. Thanks for speaking up and not letting these people twist this thing around and disrespect Crystal Scott and her family. "

Report Abuse

Friend wrote on Aug 14, 2007 9:32 PM:

" It does matter that she was high, this brings alot of questions, the police are not certain on the crash, two people were impaired while driving, all it said was they "consider" he wast at fault. I never read "certain!" Calling Brandon a murderer is out of line and disrespectful to his family. To many "if's" now, to being judging. "

Report Abuse

Huh..... wrote on Aug 14, 2007 9:19 PM:

" I just think it is weird that so many were quick to judge Brandon and how he was this horrible person, but now you are all quiet??? Typical Lodi folks. The ones that knew him, have known the truth all along. RIP to all, "

Report Abuse

Huh... wrote on Aug 14, 2007 9:17 PM:

" There was never any skidmarks at the scene. I walked it up and down several times the night of the accident and the next day. Also, during that whole night, people were able to come and go as they pleased, what type of investigation was conducted anyway. Like, JM, stated before, we dont know what happened, and probably will never know the entire truth, its not 100% truth, and the officers cant say that. Also, so many of you have criticized Brandon and hurt his family and friends more than you know. "

Report Abuse

Mom wrote on Aug 14, 2007 8:52 PM:

" Brandon, I have been following all of this for 3 weeks. I knew you through the eyes and ears of my baby, your future wife.I also saw you, watched you and laughed with you . also heard your future dreams. From the deepest parts of my body, I LOVE YOU< and will never forget you. So to all of you haters, be silent, let him go to his maker.Mom "

Report Abuse

not important wrote on Aug 14, 2007 8:43 PM:

" Yet these three families must go on despite what is written. Give them a break, If I remember, it has been almost 3 weeks.They need to mourn, let them without your analyzing it all. Where YOU there? Only God was. And he will be the Judge...... "

Report Abuse

Stockton wrote on Aug 14, 2007 8:38 PM:

" God you people. And I thought that Stockton was rough. We have Drive By Shootings, they are reported on. The end of story. You have a single crash, and it goes on forever, the reporting of it. Plus you cannot tell the truth from the fiction. Truth, 3 loved ones dead, fiction{?} no one knows why.Drop it already. "

Report Abuse

Sue McCracken wrote on Aug 14, 2007 8:25 PM:

" I may be old,54, but isn't Meth an illegal drug? I realize Brandon had more than Ca. legal limit of alcohol, but isn't Meth illegal? You have crucified him enough. Sounds like the Hatfields and McCoys.Give it a rest and go to work .No one knows what happened, they are dead. Let them all rest in peace. Meth is illegal, isn't it???? "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 14, 2007 8:13 PM:

" Weezer: The Baker friends want everyone to believe anything but the truth. You are correct. Crystal's Volvo was reported to have braked in an attempt to avoid a collision. The investigation of the scene showed Baker was at fault. Crystal never left her lane. She tried to avoid Baker. "

Report Abuse

Lodian wrote on Aug 14, 2007 7:59 PM:

" Ward-family: This changes nothing. Brandon Baker still chose to drink and drive drunk. How does this change anything? He's still responsible for the deaths of two people. You keep trying to find a scapegoat for Baker. There's no escaping his crimes. He murdered two people. That doesn't change. It doesn't matter who Crystal's boyfriend was or what he did or what kind of person she was. The point is drunk driving has got to stop and you enablers and people excusing these heinous crimes have got to get your heads out of your rear. "

Report Abuse

Fact wrote on Aug 14, 2007 7:48 PM:

" By almost a 2-1 margin, the fatalities in automobile crashes are caused by sober drivers rather than drunks. I guess we should just outlaw cars. "

Report Abuse

I don't get it wrote on Aug 14, 2007 6:59 PM:

" Drinking is legal, driving is legal, so why aren't they legal together? And I agree with the people who say no one knows for sure what happened. What if the CHP is making their version of the story up because they knew Brandon had a record? "

Report Abuse

Atkins Family II Cont'd wrote on Aug 14, 2007 6:16 PM:

" My brother is haunted with images of trying to help these people from the accident and fire, as I am sure most of the rescue people are ... I am also sick of the people (friends and family of those deceased) trying to defend those who died ...it could have been anyone of my family members as we have four families that live on Atkins Road - as most had just traveled down the road within 15 minutes of the accident! Please stop ...everyone was wrong in this Horrific accident! "

Report Abuse

Atkins Family II wrote on Aug 14, 2007 6:15 PM:

" This accident has and continues to haunt and remind my family and our nieghbors EVERYDAY of what happened as we drive down this road and see two memorials - one littered with bottles of alcohol, and beatiful hillside that is completely blackened! Not exactly an image that leaves your mind. We have to explain to our young children what happened - three people died, of which two burned to death. "

Report Abuse

sam wrote on Aug 14, 2007 5:14 PM:

" Three people who were loved very much by their friends and families are no longer here. Our job is not to condemn the loved ones left behind. Treasure the memories you shared, learn from their actions, and in their memory, live strong and love. "

Report Abuse

Weezer wrote on Aug 14, 2007 4:28 PM:

" Can anyone please confirm what Atkins Road Mom said about alcohol containers adorning the memorials? If that were true, that's disturbing to say the least. Also, to bloggers, please stay on the facts of the case. If I remembered it correctly, the officers' report stated that the Volvo "braked" in an apparent anticipation of the head-on collision. The report didn't mention that the Volvo went to the other lane. "

Report Abuse

Huh! wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:11 PM:

" Where is Lodian now?! "

Report Abuse

TO "To Ward Family" wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:05 PM:

" They have every right to question what could of happened. Like one blog said before, none of us were there and don't know what "really" happened only what the police "consider" happened. Also, meth stays in your system up to 7 days not 30, that is marijuana. And it is illegal for a reason. "

Report Abuse

Ward Family wrote on Aug 14, 2007 3:00 PM:

" TO FROM CLEMENTS: Whether she caused the accident or not the FACT ARE WHAT THEY ARE: SHE WAS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF METH (PERIOD). Do you know how long she had been up for (hours, days or weeks), or the last time she used meth? Everyone states what a terrible person Brandon was. You must not have known him. The news article made her out to be a perfect person, parent and daughter even though she was under the influence of illegal drugs. "

Report Abuse

wow wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:50 PM:

" ... she had meth in her system and was on her way to pick up her baby brother. Wow. This is a sad story. "

Report Abuse

Ward Family wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:48 PM:

" TO WARD FAMILY: My point is everyone is trying to make Brandon seem like a wreckless individual. All I am saying is that Crystal was not in the right either, she was going to pick up her brother under the influence of meth!!!!!! Not very responsible. She was not the perfect person everyone is making her out to be. May they all 3 REST IN PEACE. "

Report Abuse

JM wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:41 PM:

" I was a friend of Brandon's and I am simply saying there is no way in hell you can put all the blame on him. How dare ANYONE call him a murderer !!! I am NOT saying he is innocent but her having drugs in her system no matter when it was taken is a contributing factor to the crash. Consider all scenarios before you start pointing the finger. I have said that all along. If you weren't there then you don't know ANYTHING !!! "

Report Abuse

Atkins Road Mom wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:17 PM:

" Reading these blogs is as nauseating as the litter-strewn memorials erected on Atkins. There are dozens of alcohol containers perched under the memorials as if in tribute to these pitiful people with so little regard for life...what's next? A meth-lab diorama? Perhaps you who put these people on pedastals could learn a lesson from their mistakes INSTEAD OF sitting behind a keyboard trying to justify your "no-accountability" driven lives. Do me a favor, stay off my road as I have 4 children and 6 nieces/nephews who live here and I am trying hard to protect them from this garbage. "

Report Abuse

alcohol wrote on Aug 14, 2007 2:03 PM:

" alcohol is legal, but not while driving. Even if you are under .08, you can still get a wet n reckless from .01 to 08. Its the officers discretion. Know your facts. Both drivers were in the wrong. Have a nice day! "

Report Abuse

TO: JM wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:30 PM:

" How do you know if Crystal wasn't HIGH and caused this accident. Brandon might have been drinking and Crystal might have been HIGH. Lot's of people drink and can drive well enough to get home. Lot's of people drive while HIGH and get away with it. How about showing me the evidence that shows Brandon was 100% at fault and Crystal was not at fault at all. Just because he had a couple drinks, does not mean he murdered anyone. "

Report Abuse

To: None of this matters wrote on Aug 14, 2007 1:24 PM:

" Your statement that she was murdered and that "she" did not drive head on into Brandon's car shows your ignorance. You were not there, There are no witness's to this horrible accident. Until you can prove otherwise, don't place the blame on brandon alone. For all we know, It might have been a dog in the road that caused the accident. "

Report Abuse

From Clements wrote on Aug 14, 2007 12:21 PM:

" Nothing needs to be said about Crystals "meth problem" as you put it... SHE didn't cause the accident... SHE was killed by a drunk driver. Period. She was NOT at fault! NOT AT FAULT! "

Report Abuse

To Ward Family wrote on Aug 14, 2007 12:10 PM:

" You are trying to play the "tit for tat" game, and it's not right. Drugs stay in your system up to 30 days or longer. Who knows if she did drugs that day or 30 days prior to the accident. To say drinking is legal and drugs is illegal is obsurd and downright immature and cruel! Tit for tat. Immature and foolish arguments. The FACTS are this, Brandon had an ILLEGAL amount of alcohol in his system. He was driving ILLEGALLY drunk, and he killed three people. What a sad thing indeed. "

Report Abuse

Reports wrote on Aug 14, 2007 11:50 AM:

" The reports say they consider Brandon was at fault, but not 100% sure, makes you question the whole situation as well. Was she speeding while high? "

Report Abuse

IF wrote on Aug 14, 2007 11:48 AM:

" If Crystal was not impaired, she may have been able to avoid the accident, they all may still be alive, and two of them in jail.. Lots of IF's "

Report Abuse

Well Crystal's "drug problem"... wrote on Aug 14, 2007 11:32 AM:

" isn't what killed 3 people, 2 of them completely innocent now is it? It was Brandon's drinking and recklessness. Let this child rest in peace. None of this changes the fact that she was senselessly murdered. "

Report Abuse

Alcoholic wrote on Aug 14, 2007 11:24 AM:

" The drug problem of Crystal's had nothing to do with the accident. Brandon killed her, and Jeremiah. He chose to drink and drive. "

Report Abuse

Ward Family wrote on Aug 14, 2007 11:05 AM:

" It was alright for everyone to slam Brandon for drinking, of course he caused a horrible accident which killed three people, including himself, but nothing will be said about Crystal's drug problem!!!!!!!!! "

Report Abuse

Waiting wrote on Aug 14, 2007 11:01 AM:

" I am still waiting for an article about Jeremiah. I guess there wont be one. I never really read anything about him, or got his parents or families views. We know all about Baker and Crystal. Sad that Meth was found in her system. Doesnt it stay in your system for a while though? Not that thats a good thing at all, but maybe she wasnt high while driving? Brandon is still at fault, 100%. "

Report Abuse

To JM... wrote on Aug 14, 2007 10:49 AM:

" This does not change the truth that had Brandon NOT been drunk and driving carelessly they would all still be alive. So regardless of what was in Crystal's system Brandon still killed them all. "

Report Abuse

None of this matters... wrote on Aug 14, 2007 10:48 AM:

" It doesn't change the fact that she was murdered. She did not go into the wrong lane and crash head on with them, it was the other way around. Trying to excuse it by saying alcohol is legal is just dirty. "

Report Abuse

Agreed wrote on Aug 14, 2007 10:38 AM:

" Very Sad, meth is a horrible drug and so is alcohol... They are both addictions and ones that are not easly given up. "

Report Abuse

JM wrote on Aug 14, 2007 10:26 AM:

" I am so glad the truth finally came out !! "

Report Abuse

S & W 500 wrote on Aug 14, 2007 9:53 AM:

" Very sad to hear that, but I don't think we needed to know about her meth use... She has pas