Las Vegas Teen Accused of Intentionally Ramming Into Line of Cars at Nearly 100 MPH, Killing Three
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — A 19-year-old Las Vegas driver accused of deliberately speeding into a line of waiting cars has now been linked to three deaths, after officials confirmed the passing of another crash victim from last month’s devastating 12-vehicle collision.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office announced that 25-year-old Vanessa Lainez Vasquez died from her injuries after fighting for her life for weeks. Vasquez, described by coworkers as “kind and hardworking,” had been married just nine months earlier. She becomes the third fatality attributed to the violent November 18 crash.
Officials Say Teen Driver Intentionally Caused Deadly Collision
The suspected driver, Jose Gutierrez, was reportedly traveling nearly 100 mph when he plowed into a line of stopped vehicles at the intersection of Cheyenne Avenue and Jones Boulevard. Prosecutors say Gutierrez intentionally accelerated toward the cars, turning a routine traffic stop into a catastrophic multi-vehicle pileup.
He is currently facing 10 felony charges, including open murder.
Two victims — 38-year-old Edward Garcia and 20-year-old Adilene Duran-Ricon, who was both Gutierrez’s girlfriend and passenger — died at the scene. Duran-Ricon, according to her family, was also pregnant at the time of the crash.
Authorities allege Gutierrez’s motive was rooted in domestic conflict.
“The defendant was attempting to kill his girlfriend,” a criminal complaint states, alleging that the deliberate high-speed impact was part of a targeted attack.
Judge Denies Bail as New Questions Emerge
Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Joe Bonaventure denied bail for Gutierrez last week, citing the severity of the charges and the evidence indicating intentional harm.
Gutierrez’s defense attorney has argued that the teen was suffering from a concussion and seizures during the crash — a claim prosecutors have pushed back on.
With Vasquez’s death, the case may expand further.
Officials say they are evaluating additional charges as the investigation continues.
Coworkers at Shang Artisan Noodle, where Vasquez worked, have been mourning her loss. Many say she embodied the spirit of the restaurant.
“She was kind, hardworking, and always smiling,” one grieving employee shared.
“We still can’t believe she’s gone.”
Community Reeling as Families Seek Answers
Residents in the area have described the crash scene as one of the worst the city has seen in years, with wreckage stretching across multiple lanes and emergency crews tending to mass injuries.
Loved ones of the victims said the deaths have shattered their families and left deep emotional wounds that may never fully heal.
Meanwhile, the community awaits word on whether prosecutors will increase the severity of the charges now that a third victim has died.
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