Man charged with vehicular homicide

SPOKANE – A local man was released from jail on his own recognizance less than a day after allegedly causing a fatal crash near Spokane International Airport on Sept. 24.

Philip Garcia, 23, is charged with driving while under the influence and vehicular homicide.

According to the Washington State Patrol, Garcia was eastbound on Interstate 90 in a 2002 Honda Accord when he merged lanes and clipped the 2014 Kia in front of him at approximately 9 p.m. Sept. 24.

The Kia was driving by Elizabeth Stewart, 23, of Redding, Calif., records show. She had three passengers, including Jessica Wright, 32, and two children younger than 5, also of Redding.

Stewart’s car overturned and crossed the freeway, coming to a stop near Westbow Boulevard and Thomas Mallen Road, records show.

Wright, 32 was pronounced dead at the scene and next of kin was notified by the Shasta County, Calif., Sheriff’s Office, the patrol said.

Garcia was arrested at the scene and booked into the Spokane County Jail, records show.

He made his first appearance in court Sept. 25 and will be arraigned next month.

Prosecuting attorneys asked Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner John P. Stine for $1,000,000 bail, calling Garcia’s actions reckless and violent, records show. Stine heard comments from both the prosecuting attorney and from Garcia’s family.

“He made a terrible mistake,” Garcia’s father told the commissioner.

Stine released Garcia on his own recognizance.

As a condition of release, Garcia is prohibited from using alcohol and drugs, or frequenting related establishments.