The illegal immigrant responsible for a fatal DUI incident involving an eight-year-old boy and subsequent early release from prison has faced arrest for two additional DUIs, each time being released on bail, according to records obtained by The Daily Wire.
Karmit Singh, an Indian national and illegal immigrant, was sentenced to six years in prison in August 2020 for vehicular manslaughter in Fresno, California. He killed a child while driving his brother’s BMW at 100 miles per hour under the influence. Despite having a prior DUI, Singh was released from prison in January 2022, only around sixteen months into his six-year sentence.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) knew of Singh’s illegal immigrant status and his involvement in a fatal incident but did not deport him upon his release. Subsequently, Singh was arrested multiple times for driving under the influence but was released on bail each time.
One incident occurred on June 1, 2023, when Singh, driving erratically at 2:00 am, was arrested for DUI in Vasalia, California. Despite revealing his brother’s identity initially, further investigation exposed Singh’s true identity. The arresting officer discovered Singh’s suspended license from the earlier manslaughter conviction, leading to charges of DUI and providing a false identity. However, Singh was released when his brother picked him up. Charges were not pursued until October 17, 2023, when an arrest warrant was issued with bail set at $70,000.
Singh faced another DUI arrest on November 12, 2023, in Fresno County, where he was again released despite accumulating three DUIs and a manslaughter conviction. He failed to appear for a court date on December 12. The Fresno County judge eventually ordered his incarceration on December 4.
Despite having an “INS detainer” indicating attention from federal immigration authorities, California law prevents sheriffs from notifying law enforcement about the whereabouts of illegal immigrants. Singh’s immediate release after the June arrest and the delay in charges raised questions, with Tulare County Assistant District Attorney Kirk Davis suggesting an inquiry to Homeland Security regarding immigration status.
ICE, however, refused to disclose information about Singh’s case, leaving his deportation uncertain. Parminder Singh, Singh’s brother, has several traffic infractions listed under his name, highlighting the challenge in enforcing order when dealing with undocumented individuals.
Scott Martzen, the father of the child killed by Singh, expressed disappointment that Singh was not deported after his first DUI. He emphasized the devastating impact on his family and called for harsher laws. On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protect Our Communities From DUIs Act, but 150 Democrats voted against it, creating uncertainty about its Senate passage.
Maverick Martzen’s family remains committed to seeking justice for their son and advocating for stricter laws to prevent such tragedies.
Thomas Cooper