Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in fatal car wreck

The driver of a 1992 Honda Accord that overturned in May near an Albemarle County road has pleaded guilty to the involuntary manslaughter of one of his passengers and driving while under the influence.

Guillermo Mercado-Rivera pleaded guilty Tuesday to the charges in Albemarle Circuit Court.

A witness told police that Mercado-Rivera was driving close to the westbound lane of Garth Road when he overcorrected to get away from the oncoming car and lost control. Andrade Rodrigo Santiago died as a result of the accident. No one in the car was wearing seatbelts, and police found empty Corona bottles in the car.

Jon R. Zug, assistant commonwealth’s attorney, said in court that a blood test showed Mercado-Rivera’s blood-alcohol content was 0.15, almost twice the legal limit.

Mercado-Rivera could face up to 10 years in prison on the manslaughter charge when he is sentenced March 10.