Alleged DUI Driver Charged With Murder In Death Of Ventura Deputy
VENTURA (CBSLA.com) — The Camarillo man accused of killing a Ventura County Sheriff's deputy pleaded not guilty to a charge of murder Thursday in Ventura County Superior Court.
Because Kevin Hogrefe, 25, has a previous DUI arrest that was eventually pleaded down to a lesser offense, Ventura County prosecutors opted to charge him with murder in Tuesday's death of Deputy Eugene Kostiuchenko .
Authorities say Hogrefe was driving under the influence of alcohol when he struck the deputy, who was returning to his car after an unrelated traffic stop on the 101 Freeway in Camarillo early Tuesday morning.
In court on Thursday, prosecutors were able to get Hogrefe's bail increased from $150,000 to $500,000 based on the more serious charges. In addition to murder, he faces a count of felony hit and run for leaving the scene of the crash, driving 2 miles before crashing into some plants, according to police.
CBS2's Amy Johnson tried to ask Hogrege's attorney, public defender Justin Tuttle, about the previous DUI arrest in Nevada, but he refused comment.
"He has a prior DUI arrest that occurred in 2013," said Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean. "It was reduced to what they call a 'wet reckless,' and he paid a fine, in 2014. Only $500, which is kind of sad."
Kostiuchenko's family members are still too upset to comment on camera.
"It's very tough," said Dean. "I think we're all struggling with it."
Hogrefe's family members were said to be in tears and apologized.
"It's sad for everybody," Dean said. "He's a 25-year-old young man, obviously has some problems, and loss of life all around, and a change of life for everybody."
Hogrefe is due back in court on Jan. 14. Kostiuchenko's funeral is set for Tuesday.
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