David Baskett pleads not guilty to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in fatal forklift crash | Local News | santamariatimes.com

City Reporter

Elected official David Baskett, who is charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence stemming from a fatal crash on May 2, pleaded not guilty to the charge Tuesday morning during his arraignment.

The case was heard in Santa Maria Superior Court, Department 3, under Judge Karen O'Neil, and marks the fourth appearance for Baskett, 81, who has been representing himself.

The court appointed a public defender for Baskett after discussion about whether he was eligible for such representation, and a readiness and settlement hearing was set for Dec. 3, to accommodate staffing shortages in the Public Defender's Office.

Eligibility for a public defender is based on factors such as income, debts, and the seriousness of the charge.

David Baskett pleaded not guilty on vehicular manslaughter in Superior Court in Santa Maria Tuesday.

Baskett was driving a forklift on the afternoon of May 2, when the fork of the lift collided with a truck driven by the father of Tiffany Ann Peterson, 39, of Orcutt, at the intersection of Skyway Drive and Hangar Street. Peterson, a passenger in the truck, was killed.

Baskett, who serves on the Santa Maria Public Airport District board of directors, was running for re-election Tuesday against challenger Tony Guy. He also serves on the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District board of trustees.

Meanwhile, Peterson's family was represented in court Tuesday by legal counsel. They requested the release of certain records, including documents from the rental company that leased the forklift involved in the incident. O'Neil granted the records request.

During the proceedings, Peterson's aunt, Faustina Dugan, addressed the court, expressing frustration over the delay in the case. She emphasized that Peterson's family had attended each court date but felt the case was not progressing as swiftly as they hoped. Dugan voiced concerns over what she saw as “excuses” for the delays, which she said were especially painful for Peterson's parents, who were also present in court.

“I would appreciate it if we can go forward as we have been here every time David has been here,” Dugan said, her voice steady but emotional. "It’s not fair to Tiffany’s mom and dad.”

O'Neil acknowledged the family’s concerns, but emphasized that the court must follow proper legal procedures to ensure a fair process for all parties involved.

As the hearing concluded, Peterson's family left the courtroom without providing further comment to the media. When asked if he had anything to say about the case, Baskett declined to speak, making a gesture of an "X” with his fingers and making a throat-slashing motion.

April Chavez is the Santa Maria City Reporter for the Santa Maria Times. If you have information, or a story idea that you would like to share, send her an email at [email protected].

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