Woman to be tried in fatal DUI crash

A woman who prosecutors said was under the influence of prescription drugs when she caused a multivehicle collision that killed a 77-year-old man was ordered Thursday to stand trial on felony charges.

Soranon Booppanon, 39, is charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of drugs, as well as allegations that she caused great bodily injury to two victims.

Killed in the crash was George Matteson. His 74-year-old wife, Betty, was seriously injured but survived.

Deputy District Attorney Makenzie Harvey has said that a series of collisions occurred the morning of Oct. 23, when the defendant drove through a red light at the intersection of La Jolla Village Drive and Genesee Avenue.

The prosecutor said Booppanon was under the influence of “very strong prescription medication” at the time of the incident.

Booppanon served 13 years in the Air Force and has no criminal history.