Peninsula man loses appeal in East Bay double-murder car crash

SAN FRANCISCO -- A South San Francisco man, Michael Verette, 34, has lost his appeal to overturn a double-murder conviction linked to a wrong-way crash that claimed the lives of married couple Tyra Ann Chappell, 52, and Frederic Chappell, 76. Verette is currently serving a sentence of 45 years to life at North Kern State Prison.

The incident occurred when the Chappells were driving east on Interstate 80 in their 2000 Toyota pickup. Verette, driving a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer, was initially going eastbound but then reversed direction, heading west and exiting at Appian Way, where he collided with the victims. During this reckless maneuver, he reportedly expressed to a passenger his desire to avoid returning to jail.

Verette has a history of legal troubles, including 11 previous convictions for driving with a suspended license and multiple attempts to evade police. His attorney argued at sentencing that the charges against him were excessive and contended that the jury should have considered involuntary manslaughter instructions. However, the appellate court upheld the conviction, dismissing these claims.

Deputy District Attorney Derek Butts maintained that Verette's actions constituted second-degree murder, emphasizing that the jury's unanimous decision and the appellate court's affirmation underscore the serious nature of his driving behavior. In Contra Costa County, dangerous driving that results in death can lead to murder charges.

Verette will be eligible for parole in 2049, leaving a significant portion of his life still ahead of him in prison following this tragic event.