Prosecutors Seek DMV Records in Fatal Vehicular Manslaughter Case
In a pursuit of justice, prosecutors in Placer County have sought information from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) concerning Kostas Linardos, who was involved in a deadly crash in late 2022. Linardos, who drove a heavy pickup truck into the rear of a sedan, tragically killing a toddler, is facing felony vehicular manslaughter charges.
The district attorney’s office had previously secured records indicating Linardos had accumulated at least 16 traffic violations, including speeding, reckless driving, and street racing, and had been involved in at least four collisions before the fatal incident, according to court documents. Despite these infractions, the DMV renewed Linardos’s license shortly after charges were filed.
Prosecutors aimed to determine if Linardos acknowledged the risks of reckless driving, a crucial element for substantiating the felony charge. However, the DMV resisted releasing such information, citing concerns about potential reputational damage.
DMV’s Transparency Questioned
When the matter reached the courts, the DMV admitted that no investigation records existed for Linardos, nor had a hearing been held prior to renewing his license. This revelation highlights perceived inaction by the DMV on dangerous drivers, despite legislative authority to investigate fatal or serious crashes. Data reveals that from 2022 to 2024, the DMV initiated only 3,300 investigations out of nearly 56,000 serious collisions recorded in California.
Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire criticized the DMV’s lack of proactive measures, suggesting the agency might be trying to hide its shortcomings. The DMV argued that their records were confidential, but ultimately, a judge ordered the release of available records.
The Incident and Legal Proceedings
The collision occurred on a morning in November 2022 when Linardos, driving a Ram 2500, attempted an aggressive merge onto Interstate 80 in Roseville. His vehicle struck a car parked due to a flat tire, resulting in the death of a young child.
Law enforcement investigations uncovered further evidence of Linardos’s dangerous driving behavior, captured on dashcam footage. His attorney has refrained from commenting due to the ongoing criminal case.
Following initial media coverage, Deputy District Attorney Kyle Hasapes subpoenaed the DMV for Linardos’s records. Despite receiving a limited response, Hasapes persisted in seeking comprehensive documentation, essential for proving “gross negligence” in court. The DMV’s response was notably incomplete, conflicting with records previously obtained by prosecutors.
Broader Implications
This case underscores systemic issues within the DMV’s handling of dangerous drivers. The agency’s discretion in investigating fatal incidents has come under scrutiny, with critics calling for reform. Advocacy groups and officials have expressed frustration over the DMV’s failure to adequately address public safety risks posed by repeat offenders.
For more insights into this issue, explore the ongoing investigation by CalMatters, “License to Kill,” which delves into the DMV’s practices under current leadership.
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This article was published by CalMatters in collaboration with The Associated Press.
