This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Crime & Safety

DUI Suspect Who Fatally Struck Menlo Park Couple to Appear in Court

Marjorie Reitzell, of Redwood City, allegedly had a blood-alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent when the accident occurred.

A 53-year-old woman accused of drunken driving and killing a Menlo Park couple walking their dog last week is scheduled to appear in San Mateo County Superior Court Tuesday, Oct. 29, according to the district attorney's office. 

Marjorie Reitzell, of Redwood City, allegedly had a blood-alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent when her 1998 Honda veered into the bike lane on Chilco Street at about 7 p.m. on Thursday, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. 

Reitzell, who was on probation for a 2012 DUI conviction, struck 45-year-old Kamal Singh, and 50-year-old Balbir Singh from behind, throwing the couple into the air, according to Menlo Park police Cmdr. Dave Bertini. 

Find out what's happening in Redwood City-Woodsidewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The victims, who had three teenage children, died at the scene. 

The Singhs' dog was injured in the collision and was taken to the Peninsula Humane Society for treatment. 

Find out what's happening in Redwood City-Woodsidewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Wagstaffe said Reitzill continued driving and struck a car carrying four teenagers, causing minor injuries.She then crashed into a tree, where she was found by first responders and taken into custody by police. 

Reitzill has been charged with two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter and two counts of DUI causing injury, Wagstaffe said.She is being held in San Mateo County Jail on $2 million bail. 

Reitzill was due to be arraigned on Monday, but asked for a continuance because of a medical issue just before the proceeding, Wagstaffe said.

Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.