Morgan Hill resident Steven Lacerda, 29, has been formally
charged with the death of Leeanne Seward, 23, of Morgan Hill
following a motorcycle accident on July 16.
Morgan Hill resident Steven Lacerda, 29, has been formally charged with the death of Leeanne Seward, 23, of Morgan Hill following a motorcycle accident on July 16.
On Aug. 3, Lacerda was arraigned on gross vehicular manslaughter while in commission of an unlawful act, two counts of causing injury while driving under the influence and hit and run.
It is alleged Lacerda had been drinking before riding his motorcycle, taking Seward as a passenger.
According to California Highway Patrol reports, Lacerda, traveling north bound on Condit Road, lost control of his 2002 Suzuki motorcycle as he crossed Diana Avenue causing him to collide with a fire hydrant, severing it in half with water shooting 30-40 feet in the air.
Seward was thrown into a near by field.
Seward suffered major head and internal injuries and was air lifted to the San Jose Medical Center where she died two days later.
Following the accident, Lacerda reportedly fled the scene, but was picked up a short time later by Morgan Hill Police near the accident.
When they found him, he reportedly was trying to hide his helmet.
According to his statement given to police, Lacerda said he had left the MH Tavern where he admitted to having two beers.
Lacerda was convicted in 1997 in San Luis Obispo County on a DUI charge, court records show.
Lacerda is out on $500,000 bond on the conditions he must not use or possess drugs or alcohol, must submit himself to drug and alcohol testing, must receive counseling and must not operate a motorcycle.
The bond was posted on Aug. 7.
Lacerda is due back at the San Martin Superior Court September 17 at 9 a.m. for a plea hearing.
Cheeto Barrera is a staff intern and can be reached at cb******@*************es.com.
