Costa Mesa Man Charged with Manslaughter in Fatal 2022 Crash

You know, some news stories just hit different, especially when they involve a life tragically cut short. It’s been a long wait for some measure of accountability in a devastating Costa Mesa crash from back in 2022, but now, nearly a year and a half later, charges have finally been filed.

Matthew Joseph Sismour, a 30-year-old resident of Costa Mesa, is now facing some very serious accusations: felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. This comes after an accident that, put simply, stole a life. Janet Louise Smith, a 72-year-old woman also from Costa Mesa, was killed on that fateful day.

Let's cast our minds back to Wednesday, July 20, 2022. It was just after 2:30 p.m. — a time when most folks are out and about, running errands or heading home. The intersection of 17th Street and Newport Boulevard, usually a busy thoroughfare, became the scene of unspeakable tragedy. Authorities allege that Sismour, behind the wheel of a 2017 Audi A5, was speeding, reportedly hitting around 70 miles per hour in what's clearly marked as a 45 mph zone. And if that wasn't enough, he’s accused of blowing through a red light.

Smith, driving her 2013 Toyota Camry, was caught in the path of this alleged recklessness. The collision, as you can imagine, was horrific. She died right there at the scene. It’s just heartbreaking to think about, a life extinguished in an instant due to what’s being described as extreme carelessness.

While the crash itself happened in the summer of 2022, it took quite some time for the legal wheels to turn. The official charges against Sismour weren't filed until December 27, 2023. Then, he was arrested just after the New Year, on January 2nd, and has since posted a $100,000 bond, meaning he’s currently out of custody.

Looking ahead, Sismour is scheduled for his arraignment on January 23, 2024. This is where he’ll formally hear the charges and enter a plea. Should he be convicted of felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, he could be facing a pretty significant prison sentence – up to six years. It’s a somber reminder of the immense responsibility that comes with getting behind the wheel.

This whole situation is just a profound tragedy. For Janet Louise Smith’s loved ones, it’s a constant ache, and for the community, it’s a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when drivers allegedly fail to uphold their duty of care on our roads. It's a case that truly underscores the value of every single life and the need for accountability when that life is unjustly taken.