Benchwatch
All cases
Murder in Lodi, California, May 19, 2026

Two teens, ages 16 and 20, 16

Two males traveling in a Kia Forte northbound on Highway 99 near the Harney Lane off-ramp, Lodi.

Border Patrol releaseUndocumented
  1. Original charge
    Illegal entry
    June 1, 2023
  2. Released
    Catch-and-release pending immigration court
    June 15, 2023
  3. 1069 days later
    Murder
    May 19, 2026

What happened

Singh's Freightliner semi jackknifed and struck multiple vehicles on northbound Highway 99 near Lodi. The big rig slammed into a Kia Forte carrying two young men, ages 16 and 20, both killed. Five others were injured. Singh fled the scene on foot before being captured. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit-and-run resulting in death. ICE has lodged an immigration detainer.

The release decision

On June 1, 2023, Manvir Singh was charged with illegal entry. Federal immigration enforcement U.S. Border Patrol (Arizona sector) ordered the release on June 15, 2023. Terms: catch-and-release pending immigration court. Prosecutors had asked for n/a — administrative. The defendant had 0 prior arrests at the time.

The defendant's record

Entered US illegally via Arizona border in 2023; released by Border Patrol. Later obtained a California-issued commercial driver's license. No prior criminal record.

Sources