Full Notification

DATE/TIME: May 14, 2015

INCIDENT: Fatal Collision - ****UPDATE****

LOCATION: Chino Hills

SUSPECT: James Coffin, 30, of Chino Hills

VICTIM: Tammy Mae Seagraves, 43, of Chino Hills


SUMMARY: On Thursday, February 26, 2015, at approximately 6:40 p.m., James Coffin, 30, was driving a red Saturn Ion south on Carbon Canyon Road, approaching Canyon Hills Road, when he crossed over the center double yellow line and struck a gray Honda Civic head-on. The Honda was being driven by Tammy Mae Seagraves, who was transported from the scene and later died at Chino Hills Medical Center.

After an extensive and thorough investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Region I MAIT Team, the report detailing the investigation was filed with the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. Based on evidence from the scene, interviews, and other investigation, investigators found probable cause to believe that Coffin was driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and crossed over the center divider, striking Seagraves head on and causing her death. Based on a prior DUI conviction, Coffin was charged with Murder, Manslaughter causing death, and Driving Under the Influence causing death. Based on the District Attorneys filing, a $1,000,000 dollar arrest warrant was issued for the arrest of Coffin and on Thursday, May 14th, Coffin turned himself in at the Rancho Cucamonga courthouse and was later booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

Refer: Det. James Snow

Station: Supervisor, Region I MAIT / SANCATT

Phone No. 909-841-5103

Case No. 221500745

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department