Tattoo Artist Daniel Silva Pleads No-Contest to Manslaughter

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced on Wednesday that tattoo artist Daniel Silva had entered a no-contest plea to felony gross vehicular manslaughter. Before reaching the plea agreement Silva had been charged with murder stemming from the May incident. 

Silva, who will be facing the possibility of four years of confinement in state prison, will be sentenced on August 13.

The accident took place on May 10. Silva had attended a birthday party celebrating YouTube star Corey La Barrie’s 25th birthday, after which the two left in Silva’s McLaren sports car. The car was traveling at great speed when Silva lost control, causing the vehicle to strike a stop sign and a tree. 

“The driver of the McLaren exited the vehicle and attempted to leave the scene but was stopped by citizens who came to render aid,” the LAPD told People. “No other vehicles were involved in the collision.”

La Barrie was transported to a hospital where he would be pronounced dead. Silva was also taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries including a fractured hip. Shortly thereafter the tattooer was taken into custody and charged with murder. Previously, Silva pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, but has since made the plea deal to avoid going to trial. 

Silva’s attorney, Mike Cavalluzzi, provided a statement to NBC News shortly after the plea deal was announced. 

“Our thoughts remain primarily with Corey’s family right now,” Cavalluzzi said. “Daniel will dedicate his life to honoring Corey in any way that he can and ensuring that his memory lives on. He is heartbroken, especially for Corey’s Mom and Dad and his brother and sister.”