Robert A. Pennington, 51, pleaded guilty to second-degree death by auto and DWI before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mellaci for his role in the crash, which killed 32-year-old Siva Kovvuri of Old Bridge.
The man admitted to drinking more than seven beers at Fantasie's, pictured above, before causing a fatal crash on Dec. 5, 2014, in Holmdel. (Google Maps)FREEHOLD -- A Marlboro man admitted Monday to driving with a blood-alcohol level of more than three times the legal limit before causing a fatal car crash in December 2014.
Robert A. Pennington, 51, pleaded guilty to second-degree death by auto and DWI before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mellaci for his role in the crash, which killed 32-year-old Siva Kovvuri of Old Bridge.
On Dec. 5, 2014, Pennington had drunk more than seven beers at Fantasie's, a gentlemen's club in Keyport, before getting behind the wheel of his 2008 Chrysler Town & Country minivan, authorities said.
Pennington's minivan was traveling southbound on Route 34 near the intersection with East Lawn Drive in Holmdel shortly before midnight when he failed to navigate a slight curve in the road, crossing into the opposing lane of traffic, and hitting a 2008 Hyundai Accent, authorities said.
The driver of the Accent, Kovvuri, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A blood sample taken after the fatal crash showed Pennington had a blood alcohol level of .258, more than three time the state's legal limit.
Prosecutors said they will seek a sentence of seven years in state prison with at least 85 percent of any sentence served before Pennington is eligible for parole.
Pennington was released from jail after posting $100,000 full bail following his arrest in December 2014. He is scheduled for sentencing on April 1.
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
