Drunk Driver Sentenced for Fatal SLO Bike Crash
Vanessa Noblitt received a nine-year, eight-month prison term for a 2024 collision that killed a local cyclist.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cycling
A court sentenced Vanessa Noblitt to nine years and eight months in prison following a July 23, 2024, crash in San Luis Obispo. Noblitt pleaded guilty to three counts of vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI, and hit-and-run after hitting two cyclists.
Why it matters
The crash occurred while Noblitt was driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.31, which is nearly four times the legal limit of 0.08%. The incident killed 87-year-old Saul Goldberg and injured 74-year-old Martin Suits, who had been riding together near the cemetery on South Higuera Street.
Noblitt recorded a blood alcohol content of 0.31 at the time of the crash, nearly four times the legal limit of 0.08%. She was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison following her guilty plea.
The players
Vanessa Noblitt
The defendant pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter, felony DUI, and hit-and-run after killing a cyclist in a drunk driving crash.
Saul Goldberg
The 87-year-old cyclist died from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle driven by Noblitt.
Martin Suits
The 74-year-old cyclist was injured in the collision while riding with Saul Goldberg.
The details
Noblitt hit the two victims, who resided in Avila Beach and were riding to celebrate their 65th anniversary, near South Higuera Street. The defendant, who had a prior 2006 DUI conviction, entered a plea deal that dismissed a second-degree murder charge.
Timeline
Noblitt was previously convicted of drunk driving in 2006.
The fatal crash occurred in San Luis Obispo on July 23, 2024.
Noblitt was arrested in Oregon on December 19, 2025.
Martin Suits testified at a preliminary hearing in August 2026.
The court sentenced Noblitt on October 13, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The legal resolution marks a definitive end to a tragic event that deeply impacted the local cycling community and regional safety discussions. This case follows the sentencing patterns established by California's vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated statutes for repeat offenders.
The legal proceedings concluded with a sentence of nine years and eight months for the defendant. The outcome highlights the judicial consequences for motorists who violate DUI laws and jeopardize the safety of cyclists on local roadways.
The takeaway
This case underscores the severe personal and legal consequences of driving while intoxicated. Motorists are reminded that impaired driving remains a primary cause of preventable fatalities on shared roads.
Further reading
For more information on bicycle safety and local infrastructure projects, visit San Luis Obispo Cycling.
