Man charged in Clovis DUI crash that killed 2 pleads not guilty

A 29-year-old man today pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence charges in connection with a double-fatal collision last month at the intersection of Minnewawa and Barstow avenues in Clovis.

At the end of the hearing, Clovis resident Larry Garcia was sent to the Fresno County Jail by Superior Court Judge Brant Bramer. Bail is set at $338,000.

Garcia had been free on a lower bail amount following his arrest after the accident.

Clovis police said Garcia was driving a black Toyota that hit a white Acura about 2 a.m. on Nov. 27.

The driver of the Acura — Keith Smith, 34, of Clovis — was killed instantly in the collision. Jessica Matthes, 31, of Sacramento, died at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.

Garcia sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized at Community Regional Medical Center.

Bramer set Garcia’s next hearing on Jan. 4, and tentatively scheduled a preliminary hearing for Jan. 9.

By John Ellis