Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor manslaughter charge following a fatal accident involving a pedestrian.
The incident occurred on March 18 in Alhambra, California, just east of Los Angeles.
Klinghoffer, 44, was allegedly driving an SUV when he made a left turn and struck 47-year-old Israel Sanchez, who was walking in a crosswalk.
Sanchez was later pronounced dead at a hospital. He had been walking to a nearby grocery store to to buy ingredients to make a meal for his family.
Klinghoffer was charged on Aug. 29 with vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Notably, he is not accused of any violent intent, but rather a failure to yield.
Recording artist Josh Klinghoffer of Red Hot Chili Peppers performs onstage at What Stage during Day 3 of the 2017 Bonnaroo Arts And Music Festival on June 10, 2017 in Manchester, Tennessee. Klinghoffer pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor manslaughter charge related to the death of 47-year-old pedestrian Israel Sanchez.
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for Bonnaroo Arts and Music Festival
The guitarist’s attorney, Blair Berk, entered the plea on his behalf in an Alhambra courtroom.
In California, vehicular manslaughter can result from negligent driving that leads to someone’s death, with penalties varying based on the circumstances.
The legal distinction between “gross negligence” and “ordinary negligence” is critical in determining the severity of the charges.
Following the hearing, Berk declined to comment.
In a separate legal action, Sanchez’s daughter named Klinghoffer in a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit in July.
The lawsuit claims Klinghoffer was driving without license plates and was using a phone at the time of the collision, although these allegations are not part of the criminal charges.
Sanchez’s family has been vocal in their criticism of the police for not filing charges more quickly after his death.
(L-R) Flea, Chad Smith, Bruno Mars, Anthony Kiedis and Josh Klinghoffer perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show at MetLife Stadium on Feb. 2, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Klinghoffer was a guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Theo Wargo/FilmMagic
Klinghoffer’s musical prominence began with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, with whom he played from 2009 until 2019.
The band gained fame in the 1990s with hit albums like Blood Sugar Sex Magik, which propelled them into the mainstream and led to significant commercial success.
Klinghoffer was present in the band for studio albums I’m with You (2011) and The Getaway (2016), and the B-sides compilation I’m Beside You (2013).
Originally brought into the Grammy-winning band as a replacement for longtime guitarist John Frusciante, Klinghoffer departed following Frusciante’s return in 2019.
Klinghoffer’s tenure with the Chili Peppers earned him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the age of 32, making him one of the youngest members in history.
Since leaving the band, he has worked as a touring and session guitarist for notable acts like Pearl Jam, Iggy Pop, and PJ Harvey.
As this case unfolds, Klinghoffer’s legal team will likely focus on establishing his innocence against the manslaughter charge.
Legal proceedings could continue for months—the upcoming court dates will determine whether Klinghoffer will face trial for the allegations made against him.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
