Luke Nardini: Narrogin man accused of killing two motorists in head-on crash in US offered plea deal

A West Australian race car driver accused of killing two motorists and injuring two others in a head-on crash in the US has been offered a plea deal by a California judge and could soon be returning home to Australia. Luke Nardini, a speedway racer from a well-known Narrogin family, appeared before Judge Susan Jakubowski Tuesday morning local time. Mr Nardini was offered a maximum sentence of one year in county jail in exchange for pleading guilty to two counts of misdemeanour manslaughter for a fatal head-on collision in the mountain community of La Honda, south of San Francisco, on September 1. The 31-year-old, who was accompanied in court by his mother, Cheryle Nardini, was given until Thursday morning to decide whether or not to accept the agreement. He said he first needed to speak to his father Leo Nardini back in Australia before making a decision. Under California’s sentencing laws, the maximum time in jail Mr Nardini would likely face would be six months, but Judge Jakubowski left open the possibility that Nardini could serve even less time. And potentially, Mr Nardini could be given credit for the time he has already served in jail and could serve no additional time. San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe said he did not object to Judge Jakubowski’s plea offer, but did say his office expects Mr Nardini to serve some additional time in jail for his role in the deadly accident. “There needs to be consequences,” said Wagstaffe. “Two people died.” The deadly accident occurred after Mr Nardini crossed into the wrong driving lane because of road construction, and collided headfirst into another vehicle. The back-seat passengers in the Ford SUV, Jack and Linda Davis, a local couple in their 80s, died from their injuries. Investigators have said speed and alcohol were not a factor in the accident. Mr Nardini has continually shown remorse, saying in October of last year, “it was an accident, and I regret the whole thing”. In addition to the criminal case, Mr Nardini is also facing two civil lawsuits that have been filed against him by the families of the victims. Mr Nardini is expected to return before Judge Jakubowski on April 4 to submit his decision.