A former Air Force airman has been indicted on manslaughter charges for a head-on car crash which killed a Santa Barbara County couple. F
Federal prosecutors say Shaquille Lindsey faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter for the August, 2016 collision near Lompoc. Ruben and Bertha Betancourt on Lompoc died in the head-on crash on Santa Lucia Canyon Road near the Lompoc federal prison complex, and their 31 year old son was seriously injured.
Investigators say Lindsey was under the influence of alcohol and drugs, using his cell phone, and speeding when he crossed over the road’s center line, and caused the collision. If convicted, the 23 year old man could potentially face up to 18 years behind bars.
Because he was in the Air Force at the time of the crash, the Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations handled the case.