A judge on Tuesday ordered that there is enough evidence against a man accused of murder in connection with a 12-car crash that the case can proceed to the trial-level court.
Jose Gutierrez, 19, has been charged in connection with a 12-vehicle crash on Nov. 18 that claimed three lives.
Gutierrez’s pregnant girlfriend, Adilene Duran Rincon, 20, and a driver from another vehicle, Edward Garcia, 38, died at the scene on West Cheyenne Avenue near North Jones Boulevard, according to Gutierrez’s arrest report.
Vanessa Lainez Vasquez, 25, had been in a medically induced coma following the crash and succumbed to her injuries Thursday, authorities have said.
Defense attorney Thomas Moskal has suggested the crash could have been triggered by his client suffering a seizure while driving.
But prosecutors have said they believe his actions were intentional.
Authorities allege Gutierrez plowed into a group of cars stopped at a red light, accelerating as he approached the crash site and eventually reaching a speed of 110 mph.
“We have potentially the idea of a seizure,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Giancarlo Pesci previously said. “We also have the idea that he was intending to end the relationship that he had, and that’s in fact what happened, because she’s now dead.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Noble Brigham at nbrigham@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BrighamNoble on X.
Leave A Comment