DUI Suspect Charged in the Death of Richard Frost in Costa Mesa

Richard Frost was fatally struck by a convicted drunken driver Saturday, April 10, in Costa Mesa. Authorities have arrested Stewart Waithanji in connection with the incident.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office said Waithanji had been involved in a hit-and-run collision in Newport Beach before Saturday’s fatal crash.

On Saturday, a call came in regarding another hit-and-run crash at Newport Boulevard south of 17th Street in Costa Mesa. Investigators learned Waithanji crashed into a car driven by Frost, 74, of Newport Beach.

As Waithanji tried to drive away from the scene, he reportedly ran over Frost, who was attempting to stop him.

Waithanji was charged with single felony counts each of second-degree murder, driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08% or more, as well as two misdemeanor counts of hit and run with property damage.

Officers said Waithanji was a repeat DUI offender and may face an upgraded charge of second-degree murder.

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Jake Gosselin