Closing arguments begin in hit-and-run crash that killed beloved bartender

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Brandon Janik is standing trial for murder in the death of Josh Gilliland, who was hit and killed as he walked to work at a University Heights bar on June 10, 2023.

Janik was behind the wheel of a BMW loaner vehicle at the time of the crash, but wasn't arrested until about three months later. Because of that, blood tests or a breathalyzer can not prove if Janik was intoxicated at the time of the crash.

The prosecutors have shown 9-1-1 calls reporting a drunk driver, and had witnesses take the stand who testified they had seen Janik passed out behind the wheel the same night as the deadly hit-and-run.

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"This man who had drank enough alcohol to have passed out behind the wheel of his car just moments earlier, this man who now drunkenly barreled down the street toward Joshua Gilliland lawfully in the crosswalk," deputy district attorney Hailey Williams said during the prosecution's closing arguments Wednesday.

"He knew exactly what could happen next, but despite having every opportunity to stop, pull over and to start making the right choice," she continued, "he chose only to make the fatal choice."

Evidence shows Janik searched for news s about the crash the next morning, and never turned himself in.

The trial, now into its second week, is expected to return on Thursday morning with the defense's closing arguments before sending the jury to deliberate.

If convicted on all eight charges, Janik faces 15 years to life plus an additional eight years.