Two Los Angeles County youths were recently charged with their alleged involvement in a joy ride that turned deadly. According to the radio station KHTS, Thomas Vensko and Colt Doherty, both 20, were charged with second degree murder for allegedly contributing to the death of Dakota Demott. Doherty was allegedly driving his vehicle under the influence of alcohol when he lost control of it, causing it to crash into a large tree. Demott was ejected from the vehicle and thrown into a fence and died. 

The source reported that Demott and Doherty were racing Vensko in a Ford Mustang at a high speed, and when Doherty hit a curve, it caused him to lose control. Traffic investigator Deputy Mike Shapiro told the source Vensko was arrested for illegally racing before the crash occurred. Although Doherty didn't cause the death directly, he faces penalties as a driver because he was street racing at the time of the incident.

Both Doherty and Vensko pleaded not guilty to the charges, however. Since their arrest, Vensko has been able to post bail, however, Doherty still remains in jail in lieu of his $1 million bail bond. Vensko was able to post his bail due to the fact that his bail was lowered to $100,000 in his initial hearing. The duo have postponed their court hearings several times. According to the Santa Clarita Valley Signal, a lawyer for Vensko asked Superior Court Judge Daniel Feldstern for a continuance on April 29, which was granted. Vensko's lawyer was allegedly unable to be present on the day of the hearing.

However, the judge assured them that they cannot continue to postpone their hearing. 

"There is an end date to this," he said. "May 20 appears to be the end date."

If convicted of the charges, both young men may face a sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole. Doherty is being charged with one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and one count of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs causing injury. Vensko is being charged with vehicular manslaughter. 

If anyone should find themselves in this position, it would be best to contact a Los Angeles County bail bondsman to help them determine the next step in the process.