Vellanoweth blames mystery drink for crash

SACRAMENTO, July 10 (UPI) -- Businessman Roberto P. Vellanoweth alleges in a lawsuit his deadly drunken driving incident was caused by a mystery drink he was given at a Sacramento eatery.

The disgraced business leader alleges in Yolo County Superior Court he was unaware a 12-ounce fruity drink he was given at the Camino Real Restaurant on March 26, 2007, had alcohol in it, The Sacramento Bee said Friday.

The same day that Vellanoweth consumed the mystery beverage, the 65-year-old was involved in a car crash that left four people dead.

Killed in the crash were Rice-Nash, 21, her 19-month-old son Kamall Osby, her sister Brittanya Rice-Nash, 17, and 18-year-old Shanice Patrice Carter, a family friend.

The businessman was convicted on drunken driving manslaughter charges and was sentenced to 17 years and eight months in prison.

The Bee said Vellanoweth's lawsuit, which is seeking unspecified damages, alleges the eatery was obliged to inform the businessman of any alcohol included in the punch drink.