24 May 2023 , 19:44
1247
0
An accused drunk-driver was still wearing a glow stick from a rave when she mowed down and killed a man, according to reports.
Suspect Valeria Mena, was reportedly still wearing a glow stick from a rave event when she ran a red light and repotedly killed a passenger of another car in a collision in El Paso.
The man who died was identified as 28-year-old Steven Anthony Hernandez.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at the intersection of Edgemere and Joe Battle Boulevard after receiving multiple distress calls, but despite their efforts, Mr Hernandez died at the scene from his injuries.
When asked what she had been drinking Mena told police she had drank whiskey, beer and shots, and then replied "everything," according to kfoxtv.
Family of great-great-gran, 83, killed by dog call for Bully breed to be banned
Steven was an aspiring musician who went by Stevie Suave (KFOX14/CBS4)At one point Mena told officers: "Let's be honest, yes I've been drinking, yes, I've been drunk, yes" according to an arrest affidavit.
Mena was immediately taken into custody and subsequently denied bond due to the severity of the charges brought against her.
During the intense interrogation following her arrest, she disclosed to the detectives that she had attended a rave held at the renowned club 11:11.
Mena is charged with Intoxicated manslaughter and was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility. (El Paso Police Department)According to her statement, she decided to leave the bar at approximately 2am, intending to drive back home to El Paso.
Witnesses at the scene reported observing her driving erratically just moments before she allegedly ran the red light.
Devastated family and friends are demanding justice for Steven.
Hernandez was an aspiring local musician who went by the name of Stevie Suave, who "loved his music, family and friends," stated a GoFundMe page created by a woman who identified herself as his sister, Briana Lucero.
The intersection where the crash happened (KFOX14/CBS4)“She took somebody that meant a lot to a lot of individuals and it’s sad that she didn’t get the opportunity to meet him because I’m sure if she would have she would have never drank and drove,” Steven’s friend Felipe Loza told KTSM.
The loss of Steven has left family, friends, and loved ones devastated.
His obituary on Dignity Memorial describes how he leaves behind a huge, loving family who hope to "cherish his memory."
Driver doing double the speed limit killed 2 boys as they played on their bikes
His mother added: "We need justice so it doesn't continue on."
The collision took place at the intersection of Joe Battle Boulevard and Edgemere Boulevard, resulting in significant damage to both vehicles involved.
Mena has had two previous DWI convictions in 2020 and 2021.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident to gather all relevant evidence and determine the full extent of Mena's alleged involvement in the crash.