Former Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer To Be Arraigned On Manslaughter Charge

Bad news coming out of the rock world today. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Josh Klinghoffer, who played guitar for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, and Jane's Addiction, is scheduled to be arraigned on a misdemeanor manslaughter charge stemming from an incident earlier this year that left one man dead. Klinghoffer, who became the youngest member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when he was inducted with the RHCP in 2012, is charged with hitting and killing 47 year old Israel Sanchez with his 2022 GMC Yukon on March 18th of this year, according to KTLA5. Attorney's for Sanchez's family originally alleged that Klinghoffer was distracted when the accident occurred, saying in a news release: "Video of the incident shows that Defendant Klinghoffer made no efforts to brake or slow down until after he fatally struck Mr. Sanchez, indicating that Klinghoffer was likely to be driving while distracted. Video taken seconds before the incident shows an object between the steering wheel and the driver that is believed to be a phone."  Klinghoffer's attorney, however, disputes that and it appears the claim now has been changed just to negligence, hence the misdemeanor designation: "It’s clear from the evidence that Mr. Klinghoffer was not on the phone at the time of the accident. This was a tragic accident. There was no criminal intent, nor is any alleged... This was a tragic accident. After Josh struck the pedestrian in the intersection, he immediately pulled over, called 911, and remained at the scene until police and paramedics arrived. He has fully cooperated with authorities throughout the investigation." After the accident, Klinghoffer remained on the scene and called 911. The arraignment is set for tomorrow morning, September 26th, at 8:30AM in Alhambra, California courthouse. Klinghoffer joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2009 and was part of two studio albums, I'm With You and The Getaway, before leaving in 2019. He then joined Pearl Jam as both a touring and session member as well as Jane's Addiction. At just 32 years old, he was the youngest person ever elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Clearly, Klinghoffer had no intent to end a life that day and has been cooperating in all investigations. It's truly a tragic event and we're wishing the best for the Sanchez family. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUFdl_W4Pr4