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Editor: Bob Battle
Profession: DUI Defense Lawyer

Category: Celebrity DUI

Roger Avary, Oscar-winning screenwriter of "Pulp Fiction," was arrested and charged with suspicion of manslaughter and DUI in a January 15 accident that killed his friend, Andreas Zini, who was visiting from Italy.

Avary's wife, Gretchen was thrown from the car, admitted to a hospital and listed in stable condition. The driver's car spun out of control in Ventura County, Calif. and struck a telephone pole. Roger Avary was released from custody on $50,000 bail.

"Roger wishes to publicly convey his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased," said a statement read by publicist Julie Polkes. "Words cannot express how sorry he is. This tragic accident will always haunt him."

Zini died seven hours later on an operation room table at Ventura County Medical Center. Deputy Medical Examiner Shasta Gainer said an autopsy revealed he died of blunt force chest and abdominal injuries.

Avary won an Academy Award along with Quentin Tarantino for writing "Pulp Fiction," and is a co-writer of the recent film, "Beowulf." Nominated for Best Picture in 1995, Pulp Fiction starred John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman and Rosanna Arquette.