CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Father arrested after allegedly killing sons in DUI crash

Nov 13, 2023, 5:00 PM | Updated: May 29, 2024, 11:05 am

Seven children were held against their will on Saturday in a St. George hotel....

Seven children were held against their will on Saturday in a St. George hotel. (Adobe/Stock image)

(Adobe/Stock image)

ST. GEORGE, Utah — Police arrested a 36-year-old man on Monday on suspicion of driving under the influence and killing his two young sons as a result. The two boys, aged 4 and 9, died in the crash on Oct. 29.

The St. George Police Department said they arrested the man, 36-year-old Eric Babauta after he was released from the hospital on Monday.

A probable cause statement from a St. George PD officer alleged that Babauta had tested positive for meth and another stimulant the day of the crash.

According to the statement, Babauta violated a protective order that prevented him from seeing his children’s mom. 

Aside from allegedly violating the protective order, Babauta is accused of negligent driving that led to death, reckless driving and driving under the influence.

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Father arrested after allegedly killing sons in DUI crash