The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder and other charges against a Fresno man in connection with a deadly DUI crash that killed one person, left another in critical condition, and critically injured a puppy.

Joseph Douglas Gray, 32, is accused of driving a Dodge Charger eastbound on Dakota Avenue near Chestnut Avenue shortly after midnight on Friday when he allegedly ran a red light at high speed and collided with a Chevrolet Cruze traveling southbound, according to the allegations.

Authorities say the impact ejected the driver of the Cruze. Both occupants were transported to Community Regional Medical Center in critical condition. The driver later died from their injuries, while the passenger remains in critical condition.

Preliminary results indicate Gray had a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 0.13%, and his vehicle was reported to have emitted an odor of marijuana, according to the filing. Three puppies were found inside Gray’s vehicle, and one was confirmed to have suffered major injuries.

The complaint alleges Gray faces one count of murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI causing great bodily injury, driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater causing great bodily injury, cruelty to an animal, driving on a suspended or revoked license, and failure to stop at a red light.

Prosecutors also allege Gray had a prior DUI conviction as recently as December 5, 2025, in Los Angeles County, along with two additional prior felony convictions. He was previously arrested twice in Fresno County for DUI and failed to appear in court in those cases. Officials say he was on probation for DUI at the time of the crash.

If convicted on all charges and allegations, Gray faces a sentence of 8 years and 8 months in state prison, followed by an additional term of 15 years to life.

Gray was arrested and remains in custody following the incident.

His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday in Fresno County Superior Court.

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