A 19-year-old man recently convicted of driving while impaired is now facing murder and DUI charges in connection with a wrong-way crash in Pomona last week that left a 6-year-old boy dead, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.
Franky Antonio Provencio pleaded not guilty Monday to one felony count each of murder and driving under the influence of alcohol and a drug causing injury within 10 years of another DUI offense, and one misdemeanor count of possession of methamphetamine.
The criminal complaint includes allegations of infliction of great bodily injury and a prior conviction for driving under the influence of a drug in January.
Provencio was driving a 2001 GMC Yukon north on White Avenue near McKinley Avenue when the vehicle crossed into opposing traffic and struck the southbound pickup truck in which Julian George and his father were riding on May 7, according to Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Padilla.
The pickup truck’s driver was seriously injured and his son died as a result of his injuries, she said.
Provencio was also hospitalized as a result of the crash. He was subsequently arrested last Friday by Pomona police, and has remained behind bars since then.
Provencio, who is due back at the Pomona courthouse on June 5, could face up to 22 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged.
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