Judge Says Redwood City Woman Must Stand Trial for Murder in Double Fatal DUI Crash

By Bay City News Service: 

A 54-year-old woman who allegedly hit and killed a married couple with her car while driving drunk in Menlo Park last October has been ordered to stand trial on murder charges. 

Marjorie Reitzell, a Redwood City resident, had been drinking heavily during the day on Oct. 24, 2013, before she headed down Chilco Street in her car that evening, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. 

Reitzell allegedly veered off the road onto the shoulder and struck Kamal Singh, 45, and Balbir Singh, 50, from behind at 6:54 p.m., according to Menlo Park police Cmdr. Dave Bertini. 

The impact of the crash threw the husband and wife, who were out walking their dog, into the air and onto the street, Bertini said. 

The victims died at the scene, leaving behind their three teenage children. 

After the crash, Reitzell then allegedly ran into a car occupied by four teenagers, causing minor injuries, before finally hitting a tree, Wagstaffe said. 

Reitzell was on probation for a previous DUI conviction in 2012. Her blood alcohol limit at the time of the fatal crash was more than twice the legal limit, Wagstaffe said. 

On Thursday, the court heard testimony from seven witnesses for the prosecution, including a toxicologist. 

Judge Barbara Mallach found that there was enough evidence to support murder charges in the case, and she ordered the case continued to June 20 for an arraignment, Wagstaffe said. 

Reitzell is being held in custody on $2 million bail.