California driver arrested for negligent homicide, DWI charged after fatal New Hampshire crash

A California man has been charged with negligent homicide and other charges in connection with a fatal accident in New Hampshire who killed his passenger earlier this month, state police said Monday.

Vincent Mendillo, 27, of Mission Viejo, Calif., was being held on $25,000 bond after he was arraigned Monday in Newport District Court, state police said. He is charged with reckless homicide, reckless conduct, and second-degree aggravated assault.

Salma Garcia, 26, of Mission Viejo, California, died in the crash on October 6. On Friday, police arrested Mendillo on a warrant.

According to New Hampshire State Police, emergency crews responding to a report of a crash on Little Sunapee Road in New London shortly before 1 a.m. on Oct. 6 found a 2024 Hyundai Elantra that had crashed into a parked trailer.

Garcia, a passenger in the Elantra, was killed in the crash. Mendillo, the driver of the vehicle, was taken to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for treatment.

A preliminary investigation revealed the Elantra was traveling southeast when the driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road, state police said. After that, the vehicle left the left side of the road, crashed into a truck parked on the side of the road and caught fire.

Police and the New Hampshire Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Brian Ross at 603-223-8490 or [email protected].

This is an evolving story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download The FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news.

Follow Boston 25 News Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW