Julian man who fatally struck Lakeside woman pleads guilty to vehicular manslaughter charges

EL CAJON (KUSI) – A Julian man who was under the influence of prescription drugs when his vehicle fatally struck a woman in Lakeside last month pleaded guilty Thursday to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of drugs causing great bodily injury.

Joel Joseph Silva, 33, faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced Jan. 21.

The victim, 34-year-old Kimberly Eakin, was struck around 5 p.m. on Nov. 29 as she walked along Woodside Avenue near Lindo Lake Park.

According to CHP, Eakin was hit by Silva’s westbound 2015 Toyota Rav4 that drifted off the roadway near Riverview Avenue, authorities said. The defendant’s car also hit a metal pole, a light standard and a gate before coming to a stop.

Authorities said Silva may have been under the influence of at least one prescription drug at the time of the crash and may have fallen asleep behind the wheel.

Investigators said they found several medication bottles inside his SUV.