Martin Gutierrez : “Man Faces Trial for Fatal DUI Crash”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Fatal DUI crash trial
2. Murder charge DUI trial

A 36-year-old man accused of driving under the influence and causing a fatal crash will stand trial on felony charges, including murder, following a ruling by a judge. Alexander Frank Ortega faces charges of murder, driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury, and driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08% or more causing bodily injury. The incident occurred on December 19, 2023, when Ortega’s white GMC pickup collided with a white Saturn sedan, resulting in the death of a 53-year-old man identified as Martin Gutierrez. Ortega, who had a previous DUI conviction in 2014, remains in custody on $2 million bail.

Man Accused of DUI Must Stand Trial for Fatal Crash

A 36-year-old man is facing felony charges, including murder, after being accused of driving under the influence and causing a fatal crash. Alexander Frank Ortega was held to answer on charges of murder, driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury, and driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08% or more causing bodily injury. Additionally, he faces sentence-enhancing allegations of causing great bodily injury.

Details of the Incident

The tragic incident occurred on December 19, 2023, on Indio Springs Parkway east of Golf Center Parkway. According to Indio Police Department spokesman Ben Guitron, officers responded to a report of a traffic collision at 9:45 p.m. A white GMC pickup, driven by Ortega, crossed lanes and collided with a white Saturn sedan occupied by a man and a female passenger.

Guitron described the accident as serious, with emergency responders having to extract the occupants of the Saturn from the vehicle. The male driver of the Saturn, identified as 53-year-old Martin Gutierrez of Indio, succumbed to his injuries at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital. The condition of the female passenger remains unclear.

Prior Offences

Ortega’s history includes a previous conviction in 2014 for driving under the influence of alcohol at a level of 0.08% or more. This prior offence may have a significant impact on the current case and potential sentencing.

Legal Proceedings

Ortega initially pleaded not guilty to the charges in December 2023 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. Following the judge’s ruling on Wednesday, he remains in custody at the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio on $2 million bail.

Conclusion

The tragic consequences of driving under the influence serve as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible behaviour on the road. The loss of life in this incident has left a community grieving and seeking justice for the victims. As the legal process unfolds, the hope is that Ortega will be held accountable for his actions and that measures will be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.