Witnesses recounted the crash involving David Alvarado, whom prosecutors say rear-ended the victims' vehicle on Highway 41 near Manning Avenue. Alvarado, a six-time DUI offender, now faces two counts of murder.
Manuel Melendez, a correctional sergeant, testified about his efforts to help at the scene.
"The female driver wasn't breathing. She wasn't moving. I tried to open the door, but couldn't get it open," Melendez said.
Authorities said Mary Handin died at the scene, while her husband, Paul Handin, died days later at the hospital. Melendez said he attempted to assist paramedics with CPR, but the victim was later pronounced dead.
"As soon as it was my turn to jump in, the paramedic told us to stop real quick. She did, or he did a check on the victim, and he pronounced her deceased on the scene," Melendez said.
Investigators said Alvarado's blood-alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit at the time of the crash. During testimony, California Highway Patrol Officer Sergio Verduzco told the court that Alvarado acknowledged he had been warned about the dangers of driving under the influence.
"Did you ask him whether he'd ever been warned by people to be careful about driving under the influence?" Deputy District Attorney Steven Ueltzen asked.
"Yes," Verduzco responded.
"What did he tell you?"
"He said he has been."
Defense attorney Sam Salhab argued that prosecutors had not proven Alvarado fully understood the Watson advisement, which informs DUI offenders of the risks and potential consequences of impaired driving.
"At trial, those people are going to have to prove not only that it was administered, but that Mr. Alvarado actually appreciated and understood it. And I don't think that that's been demonstrated today," Salhab said.
However, court records show Alvarado had multiple prior DUI convictions and had received the advisement several times. Judge Gabriel Brickey dismissed the argument, indicating the legal threshold had been met.
"Whether he was told the advisements or not. That's not a requirement under 187, and having six prior convictions, he should have been long warned that this conduct will be extremely dangerous, and that's what happened here," Brickey said.
Alvarado is scheduled to return to court on July 16, when a trial date will be set. A jury will ultimately determine whether he is convicted of the murder charges.
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