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Bruce Jenner Crash Investigation: 5 Things You Should Know

By Andrew Chow, Esq. on February 09, 2015 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

After Bruce Jenner's crash in Malibu over the weekend, what legal facts should the public keep in mind?

Jenner, 65, was involved in a four-vehicle crash that killed the driver ahead of him on the Pacific Coast Highway, the Los Angeles Times reports. Jenner declined medical treatment, but five people in other cars had minor injuries.

A sheriff's sergeant told the Times the investigation could take months to complete. In the meantime, here are five things to keep in mind about Bruce Jenner's crash:

1. What Led Up to the Crash?

As the Times explains, the driver of a Toyota Prius had either stopped or slowed down; a Lexus sedan rear-ended the Prius, and Jenner's Cadillac Escalade then rear-ended the Lexus. The Lexus was pushed into oncoming traffic and was hit head-on by a Hummer. The driver of the Lexus -- Kim Howe, 69, of Calabasas, California, who did not have a valid license -- was killed.

2. Did Paparazzi Play a Role?

Despite initial speculation that press photographers may have been involved in the crash, a sheriff's sergeant told Reuters that did not appear to be the case. Had paparazzi been involved, California's so-called "anti-paparazzi law" may have been invoked. The law calls for up to a year in jail if a paparazzo drives recklessly "with the intent to capture any type of visual image, sound recording, or other physical impression of another person for a commercial purpose."

3. Was Jenner Driving Under the Influence?

The sheriff's sergeant told ABC News that Jenner "did not appear intoxicated or under the influence of anything at the time." Video obtained by TMZ appears to show Jenner performing a "finger to nose" test -- one type of field sobriety test -- at the scene of the crash. Jenner also voluntarily submitted a blood sample for testing.

4. Was Anyone Texting While Driving?

Investigators are looking into this question, and will try to obtain cellphone records from all drivers involved, the LA Times reported. Looking at cellphone records is one way to potentially prove a driver was improperly texting at the time of a crash.

5. What Charges Could Be Brought?

If it's determined that one of the drivers violated California's Vehicle Code in causing the crash, then a charge of vehicular manslaughter could be possible. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office would get to make that call once it reviews the evidence.

As of Monday, no one had yet been cited or taken into custody in connection with the fatal crash. Bruce Jenner issued a statement extending his "heartfelt and deepest sympathies" to everyone involved.

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