NEW LONDON — A California man faces charges following a car crash that killed a woman in New London earlier this month.

Vincent Mendillo, 27, of Mission Viejo, Calif., has been charged with negligent homicide, reckless conduct, aggravated DWI and second-degree assault related to the crash that killed Salma Garcia, 26, also of Mission Viejo, according to a news release from the New Hampshire State Police.

Mendillo, who was seriously injured in the crash, was arraigned Monday in Newport District Court.

The pair were traveling in a 2024 Hyundai Elantra on Little Sunapee Road in New London in the early morning hours of Sunday, Oct. 6, when Mendillo failed to navigate a curve, according to the release. The vehicle went off the road and collided with a parked utility trailer before catching fire. 

The crash’s cause is still under investigation; those with information that could help the investigation can contact Det. Sgt. Brian Ross at 603-223-8490 or Brian.J.Ross@dos.nh.gov.