Vanessa Rose Noblitt Pleads Guilty to Vehicular Manslaughter, DUI Causing Injury and Other Charges In Death of Cyclist
Author: District Attorney
Date: 9/16/2026 4:55 PM
District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that Vanessa Rose Noblitt pled guilty to vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated in the 2024 fatal hit and run of Saul Goldberg.
District Attorney Dan Dow announced today that Vanessa Rose Noblitt (DOB 10/31/1980) has pled guilty to vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving with a blood alcohol concentration greater than .15 percent causing great bodily injury or death, and hit and run. The DUI with great bodily injury or death is a violent strike offense under California’s Three Strikes Law. Noblitt also admitted a factor in aggravation that the victim was particularly vulnerable.
The fatal collision took place about noon on July 23, 2024, when Noblitt, while driving southbound on South Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo, drifted into the bike lane striking 86-year-old cyclist Saul Goldberg. Mr. Goldberg and his longtime friend, 72-year-old Martin Suits, were riding in sequence in the southbound bike lane when Mr. Goldberg was struck from the side causing him to fall.
Mr. Suits likely collided with Mr. Goldberg and went down as well. Mr. Suits suffered a concussion and other injuries. Mr. Goldberg tragically died from his injuries several days later. Noblitt was later arrested after she struck a parked car in a nearby mobile home park. It was determined she had a blood alcohol level of .31%.
A preliminary hearing, or probable cause hearing, was held on August 14, 2026. Mr. Goldberg’s family attended the preliminary hearing, and Mr. Suits testified as to his observations and injuries. After careful consultation with victim Martin Suits and Mr. Goldberg’s immediate family both before and after the preliminary hearing, a plea offer was made to Noblitt that Mr. Suits, and Mr. Goldberg’s family were in support of.
The defendant will be sentenced to the maximum penalty allowed by law for those offenses and special allegations which is 9 years, and 8 months in state prison on October 13, 2026 in Department 1 of the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, the Honorable Rita Federman presiding.
The case was investigated by the San Luis Obispo Police Department and prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Delaney Henretty. Victim support services were provided by Victim Advocate Tristan Millage and Witness Coordinator Eloiza Basinger.
Here is a copy of the defendant's booking photo. Here is the charging document.
Please contact Assistant District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at 805.781.5819 with any questions.# # #
