CALIFORNIA IN BRIEF : AUBURN : Trucker Accused of Fatal Rampage

A trucker has been charged with murder for allegedly running a woman off Interstate 80 with his truck. Placer County Dist. Atty. J. E. Shelley said it is the first time his county has filed murder charges against a driver who was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Donald Fletcher, 33, of Reno, pleaded innocent, and trial was set for May 15 in Superior Court. “Somebody had to do this sometime, and we feel the law is on our side,” Shelley said. He said his office is using the theory that Fletcher deliberately drove dangerously and exhibited disregard for human life when he drove his 18-wheeler in a “reckless rampage” on the westbound highway near Whitmore Station on Jan. 15. Witnesses said the truck roared up behind a car driven by Carole Price Pasari, 41, of Cupertino. Apparently trying to get out of the way, she drove into the center divider, lost control and was killed when the car struck a tree.