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

An appeals court has upheld the double-murder conviction of 34-year-old Michael Verette from South San Francisco, who is currently serving a 45-year-to-life sentence for a fatal crash that killed a married couple. The victims, Tyra Ann Chappell, 52, and Frederic Chappell, 76, were struck while driving east on Interstate 80 by Verette, who was driving a Chevy Trailblazer in the wrong direction after evading police.

Verette's defense opted not to contest the appeal, leading to a return of the case to Superior Court. The incident occurred when Verette sped past a California Highway Patrol car, reversed the wrong way onto I-80, and subsequently crashed into the Chappells’ vehicle at the Appian Way exit. Witnesses indicated he had expressed a desire to avoid returning to jail.

Prosecutors highlighted Verette's extensive prior criminal record, which included 11 convictions for driving with a suspended license and multiple offenses of attempting to evade police. The prosecution argued that Verette's reckless behavior met the criteria for second-degree murder, a claim supported by the unanimous jury decision and subsequent affirmation by the appellate court.

During sentencing, Verette's attorney contended that the charges were excessive and that jurors should have been instructed on lesser charges, such as involuntary manslaughter. However, the appellate ruling rejected these claims, reinforcing the severity of Verette's actions leading to the tragic deaths.

Now incarcerated at North Kern State Prison, Verette is scheduled to be eligible for parole in 2049, as the legal system continues to emphasize the consequences of dangerous and reckless driving.