GUILTY PLEA IN VEHICULAR HOMICIDE CRASH THAT CLAIMED THE LIFE OF BABY, INJURED PARENTS/SIBLING
State vs. Clunis Calvert
Decatur, Ga.- DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announces a conviction by guilty plea in a vehicular homicide case that claimed the life of an infant and injured his family members against Clunis Calvert, 26. During court proceedings on Friday, October 14, Calvert pleaded guilty to charges of Vehicular Homicide in the First Degree, four counts of Serious Injury by Vehicle, and DUI-Per Se in connection with the deadly crash that claimed the life of 4-month-old Matias Montoya.
The fatal incident occurred on November 14, 2017, at the intersection of Mountain Industrial Boulevard at Presidents Way in unincorporated DeKalb. According to the investigation, the victim, his parents, siblings and three other extended family members were traveling northbound on Mountain Industrial Boulevard in their minivan following a family dinner. Defendant Calvert, who was traveling southbound, lost control while attempting to pass another vehicle, crossed the median and struck the victim’s vehicle head-on. Calvert’s vehicle was engulfed in flames, and occupants of both vehicles were transported for medical attention.
Baby Montoya was transported to Egleston Children’s Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries several days later. His parents suffered knee and back injuries and two other passengers, including the victim’s older brother, suffered shoulder injuries. Defendant Calvert’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) at the time of the fatal crash was approximately .09 BAC. He was later arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Following the guilty plea, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Mark Anthony Scott sentenced Defendant Calvert to 20 years to serve 10 years in custody, with the balance on probation, as recommended by the state.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Darlene Childers, with assistance from DA Investigator Edwin Perkins and Victim Advocate Sandra Trejos-Roman. DA Investigator Michael Sarvis, formerly Detective Sarvis of the DeKalb County Police Department, led the initial investigation.