Man charged with murder for Irvine crash that killed 2 passengers

A 23-year-old Irvine man has been charged with murder for a suspected driving under the influence crash that left two people dead.

Norman David Martin was arrested Tuesday in connection with the July 22, 2017 crash at the Jamboree Road and Main Street intersection.

Prosecutors allege that Martin was driving a Chevrolet Corvette at speeds of up to 138 miles per hour shortly before 2:30 a.m. when he ran a red light and struck the crown of the intersection.

The vehicle went airborne and struck “multiple objects,” including three palm trees, according to an Orange County District Attorney’s Office statement.

Martin, as well as two passengers, were thrown from the vehicle, according to the DA. The passengers – Jamie Lopez and Nancy Ortiz, both 26 – were pronounced dead at the scene.

Paramedics took Martin to a hospital with critical injuries. Hours after the collision, he was found to have a blood alcohol level of .08 percent, the legal limit for driving, according to prosecutors.

A warrant for Martin’s arrest was issued Monday, following an investigation by the Irvine Police Department. He was taken into custody on Tuesday.

A date for Martin’s first court appearance has not been scheduled. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years to life in prison.