Highway Patrol Uses DNA Forensics to Arrest Suspect Involved in Fatal 2022 DUI

PAHRUMP (KTNV) – The Nevada State Police Highway Patrol said a suspect is in custody for his involvement in a fatal rollover crash in 2022.

The Highway Patrol said 41-year-old Damian Berry was arrested in Las Vegas on August 8, 2024, after being identified through DNA forensics as the driver involved in the 2022 Pahrump rollover crash.

This story is a reminder to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is illegal and dangerous. According to the Highway Patrol, your safety is their top priority.

On September 11, 2022, the Nye County Sheriff’s Office reported that it was called to a rollover accident involving a 1993 Chevrolet Classic at the corner of Bourbon Street and Hall Avenue in Pahrump.

Authorities said emergency medical services responded and began life-saving efforts on the two unbelted occupants: Damian Berry and 53-year-old Michael Kilgore.

Kilgore was pronounced dead by medical personnel at the scene and Berry was flown by helicopter to University Medical Center (UMC).

At this time, emergency responders were unable to determine who was driving the vehicle. Because the accident was fatal, Nye County authorities requested that the Highway Patrol begin an investigation.

Investigators followed Berry to UMC, where they said he showed outward signs of impairment and admitted to consuming alcohol. A blood test revealed a blood alcohol content of .14 – nearly twice the legal limit in the state of Nevada – and marijuana in his system.

Because little information was available at the time of the crash, it was impossible to determine who was driving the Chevrolet, so authorities relied on DNA forensics to identify the driver and passenger. Investigators said they also made extensive efforts after the on-scene investigation – and ultimately identified Berry as the driver.

Nearly two years later, on July 20, 2024, the Pahrump Justice Court issued a warrant for Berry’s arrest. He was arrested in Las Vegas on August 8, 2024, on a charge of involuntary manslaughter and booked into the Clark County Detention Center. He was then transferred to the Nye County Detention Center on August 15, where he is being held on $500,000 bail.