Driver faces DUI murder charge in traffic fatality

A French Valley man died and another man faces a murder charge after a traffic collision that shut down Bundy Canyon Road Tuesday morning, police said.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:14 a.m., according to a Menifee Police Department report. Officers arriving at the intersection of Bundy Canyon Road and Cottonwood Canyon Road / Sunset Avenue located a motorcyclist who had been struck by another vehicle. The motorcyclist, identified as 32-year-old Luis Christian Silva, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The initial investigation indicated that the motorcycle was traveling west on Bundy Canyon Road and the vehicle was traveling south on Cottonwood Canyon toward the intersection. The vehicle made a left turn onto Bundy Canyon Road in front of the motorcycle, which was unable to avoid the collision. The motorcyclist was ejected.

The driver, identified as Jose Antonio Celedon, 41, was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol. He was booked into the Soutnwest Detention Center and faces felony charges of murder; DUI causing bodily injury; and DUI over 0.08 alcohol with injury. Bail is set at $1 million.

The collision is still under investigation and anyone with any information regarding the collision is asked to contact Officer Clay of the Menifee Police Department at 951-723-1500 or the 24-hour dispatch center at 951-677-4964.