Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer will not face jail time after reaching a plea deal in a vehicular manslaughter case, Rolling Stone has reported.
Klinghoffer, now a touring guitarist with Pearl Jam, entered a no contest plea to a misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charge. The plea helped resolve the legal proceedings without a prison sentence.
The case stems from an incident on March 18, 2024, in Alhambra, California, where Klinghoffer struck a pedestrian, Israel Sanchez, who later died from his injuries. Last year, Klinghoffer was formally charged with vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence.
According to Stereogum, the plea deal requires Klinghoffer to serve one year of informal probation and complete 30 to 60 days of community labor. He must also attend a driver safety class and pay restitution, though the amount has not yet been finalized.
During the hearing, the prosecutor issued a firm warning: “If you continue to drive while distracted, and as a result of your driving, someone is killed, you can be charged with murder.” Klinghoffer acknowledged and confirmed his understanding of the warning.
Although the criminal proceedings have concluded, Rock 929 reported that a civil lawsuit concerning the wrongful death of Israel Sanchez remains active. A hearing in that case is scheduled for July 1, 2025.
