LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A Clark County judge has ruled that a 19-year-old accused of crashing into 12 cars in Las Vegas last November, killing three people, will face murder charges.
Jose Gutierrez, 19, is being held without bail on felony charges of murder with a deadly weapon, reckless driving resulting in death, attempted murder with a deadly weapon, and battery.
Prosecutors argue the crash was intentional. Witnesses testified during Gutierrez's preliminary hearing that they saw him drive at high speed into stopped traffic at Jones Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue, and that he didn't appear to brake or otherwise try to avoid a collision.
Local News
Police release body camera footage showing aftermath of fatal 12-car crash
Gutierrez's attorney, Thomas Moskal, told Judge Michelle Leavitt on Wednesday that allowing Gutierrez to be tried for murder will create a slippery slope for future defendants, and the state hasn't proved Gutierrez's actions were willful, deliberate or premeditated.
"It would have been different if they uncovered some kind of motive or some evidence of intent, but the single inference they’re relying on is, judge, allow this to proceed to jury trial on first-degree murder because he was driving fast, he didn’t brake, and he crashed into some cars," Moskal said.
Watch what happened in court:
Prosecutors argued that "there can be no other reasonable inference from his conduct than he intended to drive directly into those vehicles."
"He drove in a straight line directly at a group of vehicles stopped at a red light, and that takes far more willfulness, deliberation, and intent than merely pulling the trigger of a gun, which is an obvious example of first-degree murder," the prosecution said.
Leavitt rejected Gutierrez's challenge, allowing the charges to stand.
Gutierrez has pleaded not guilty. He is expected back on court on March 4 at 8:30 a.m.
-
NSP: Man wanted in Nevada captured in North Carolina over 13 years later
Nevada State Police have announced the apprehension of William Bierlein, a man wanted in Nevada — more than 13 years after he was declared wanted on a probation violation warrant.
Multiple charges dropped against former Boulder City coach accused of misconduct
A Clark County District Court judge has ruled that five of 15 charges should be dismissed against Frank Mariani, the former Boulder City coach accused of misconduct with students.
Video shows how police tracked Philadelphia mask suspect in Las Vegas
Las Vegas police used a woman at a convenience store to help locate Zymire Hughes, who faces assault charges after allegedly chasing several people in Philadelphia while wearing a mask.
Video shows how police tracked Philadelphia mask suspect in Las Vegas
New video shows how Las Vegas police tracked down Zymire Hughes, accused of chasing and terrorizing people in Philadelphia while wearing a mask.
