Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, formerly of Red Hot Chili Peppers and now in Pearl Jam, has been formally charged with murder by a Californian court.
At issue is the fatal run-over of a 47-year-old man in March. Israel Sanchez was crossing a pedestrian crossing when Klinghoffer fatally hit him with his car.
The musician, who pleaded not guilty, was later sued by Sanchez’s family, who claim that Klinghoffer was distracted behind the wheel and did not brake in time.
For the guitarist’s lawyer, “this is a tragic accident”, highlighting that Klinghoffer contacted the emergency services shortly after the accident, remaining at the scene until the police and paramedics arrived.
