Man gets 3 years in jail after fatal Norco crash

Was over legal limit, driving wrong way, police say

A Kenner man who police say was over the legal limit for alcohol will serve three years in jail after pleading no contest to a Norco vehicular homicide.

According to Louisiana State Police, Manuel D. Castro, 32, of 4333 Arizona Ave., was driving north in the southbound lanes of Airline Highway at around 3 a.m. on June 3 when he crashed head on into a car driven by Jeremy Fleming. Fleming died at the scene and his brother, who was riding in the car, received moderate injuries and was airlifted to Ochsner Hospital.

Castro also received minor injuries in the accident and was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Castro, who needed an interpreter at his court appearance, had a blood alcohol level of .13, according to court records. The legal limit for alcohol is .08. By pleading no contest, Castro neither admits nor denies he committed the crime. As a result of the plea, he was found guilty.

Castro was sentenced to eight years in jail, but five years were suspended. He was also placed on active probation for five years. Additionally, Castro must pay Fleming’s brother $25,000.

If he fails to pay $200 a month in restitution, the amount owed will be increased to $35,000. Failure to pay will result in revocation of his probation.