The trial of a man accused of driving drunk and causing a collision that killed three people, including Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart, will remain in Orange County, a judge in Santa Ana ruled Friday.
An attorney for Andrew Thomas Gallo had asked that the trial be moved out of the county, arguing that Gallo could not get a fair trial in Santa Ana.
On April 9, 2009, Adenhart -- a right-hander with a promising career ahead of him -- pitched six scoreless innings during an Angels home game, just hours before he and three friends headed to a dance club.
They were in a Mitsubishi Eclipse that was broadsided at Orangethorpe Avenue and Lemon Street in Fullerton.
Gallo, who was convicted in San Bernardino County of drunken driving in 2006 and marijuana possession the following year, ran from the scene but was quickly caught, according to police.
In addition to Adenhart, 22, the crash killed Frances Stewart, 20, and Henry Pearson, 25. Jon Wilhite, 24, of Manhattan Beach, survived, even though his skull had to be reattached to his spine.
Gallo has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder, driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a suspended license because of a prior DUI conviction. Authorities claim he had a blood-alcohol content nearly three times the legal limit at the time of the 2009 crash.
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A trial date has been tentatively set for July 26.
