The man charged with DUI manslaughter in the crash that killed Miami Heat dancer Nancy Lopez-Ruiz took the stand in his trial Monday.
Mario Careaga took the stand in his own defense in the trial for the Sept. 10, 2010 crash. Careaga, 46, has pleaded not guilty.
Police say Lopez-Ruiz, who was set to begin her first season with the Miami Heat Dancers, was riding her motorcycle in the 700 block of E. Sunrise Boulevard when she was struck by a Mercedes driven by Careaga.
Police say Careaga drifted out of his lane when he hit the 22-year-old, who was thrown from her motorcycle and died at the scene.
Careaga told officers he'd had two vodka drinks before the incident after being arrested, police said. Authorities said Careaga had a blood alcohol level of .28 at the time of the crash, more than twice the legal limit in Florida.
The trial of Careaga, who was released on $10,000 bond, began last week.
