HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) - An Oklahoma man appeared in court Monday after he was indicted on charges stemming from a deadly 2024 crash.

Brandon Walser, 37, is accused of causing a crash that killed Marcella Tellez, 48, of California on Feb. 26, 2024.

The crash occurred near the 13-mile marker on Highway 19 in Hamakua.

Investigators said Walser was overtaking other vehicles when his truck crashed into Tellez’s car.

A Hilo grand jury indicted Walser on charges of manslaughter, first-degree negligent homicide, and first-degree negligent injury.

Prosecutors allege Walser was highly intoxicated, which elevated the negligent homicide offense to a Class A felony.

Walser was arrested in Oklahoma in September. Investigators with the Hawaii County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney escorted him to

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