Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor manslaughter charge in the death of a pedestrian in California. The incident occurred in March when Klinghoffer hit 47-year-old Israel Sanchez while making a left turn in Alhambra, just east of Los Angeles. Sanchez later died at a hospital. Klinghoffer could face up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted.
Klinghoffer’s attorney entered the plea on his behalf in court, and declined to comment further. A wrongful death lawsuit filed by Sanchez’s daughter alleges that Klinghoffer was driving without license plates and using a phone at the time of the collision. Lawyers for the family had criticized the police for not filing charges sooner.
Klinghoffer, who played with the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019, has also performed with Pearl Jam and Jane’s Addiction as a touring and session guitarist. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has worked with numerous artists on recordings. The case is ongoing and Klinghoffer’s future remains uncertain as legal proceedings progress.
Source
Photo credit wtop.com