A social media influencer was caught in a fatal car accident after leaving Nobu Malibu on July 4, surrendered to authorities on Monday and was booked for suspected manslaughter and drunk driving.
Sheriff's Lieutenant Dustin Carr said Summer Wheaton, 33, turned himself into a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department lost the mountain station after her arrest warrant. He said she issued a $250,000 margin and posted it around 3:30 p.m.
The arrest of a head-on collision on July 4 caused by a ride-sharing driver Martin Okeke, a one-month investigation. His family has since sued Wheaton and the stylish beachfront restaurant, known for its celebrity clients.
Wheaton drove 2019 Mercedes-Benz, crossed the center of the Pacific Coast Expressway and crashed into the 2020 Cadillac driven by Okeke, authorities said ).
Carl said she was booked on suspicion of mass murder while drunk. Felony charges can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
Carl said the cost also includes driving under the influence of alcohol, causing personal injury and driving under the influence of alcohol, which has a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or more, resulting in personal injury. These are all so-called Wobbler charges, meaning they can be charged with misdemeanor or felony, and everyone can be sentenced to up to three years in prison.
The Okeke family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Wheaton in December, accusing influencers of being “severely intoxicated and damaged” while driving.
Wheaton describes himself as a founder, speaker and health advocate on its website, with over 100,000 followers on Instagram.
She broke the silence in December after the crash and shared a video saying, “There are hard in recent months. You know what life seems to be like when it all collapses, but somehow it's really beautiful. The beginning? Well, that's me.” Then Wheaton went on to promote her $34.99 “Faith-based Planner.”
The Okeke family lawsuit also claimed Nobu Malibu, Hwood Group LLC and DBDJ LLC as defendants, accusing Wheaton of being hired to attend parties along PCH and “promising drug consumption.” A Nobu's lawyer denied in December that she was hired or signed by a restaurant.
Hwood Group regularly hosts Fourth of July gatherings in Nobu Malibu. However, last year, the city of Malibu revoked the event for four days originally scheduled, citing concerns about traffic and safety. Despite this, the lawsuit states that the host continued to market the party and eventually held an event.
Nobu's lawyers have previously told The New York Times that the city's decision to revoke the license was unfounded and that the restaurant complies with the city's initial licensing conditions, including an agreement that guests will be shuttled to the event and that there will be no Parking at the event site.
Wheaton drove to the event, the lawsuit said.
