Yuma man charged in connection with fatal car crash in Somerton
News 11's Adonis Albright speaks with an eyewitness at the scene of the horrific crash
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - 28-year-old Levi Jesus Martinez-Abril appeared in Yuma County Justice Court on Wednesday, where he was charged with multiple felonies including aggravated assault, aggravated DUI as well as manslaughter. The judge kept the suspect's bond set at $250,000.
Related: YCSO: Man arrested in connection with deadly DUI crash
Martinez-Abril was taken into custody by the Yuma County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) on Sunday when deputies responded to the scene of a crash involving two vehicles. Deputies say Martinez-Abril was driving under the influence when he was driving southbound on Somerton Avenue around 5:00 in the evening when his vehicle crossed the center line, and hit a guard rail.
But it didn't stop there. According to YCSO, Martinez-Abril pulled back onto the road and struck a vehicle driving northbound with three passengers inside. The driver, identified as 63-year-old Luis Gelabert, died at the scene. Two other children who were inside the car were transported to a Phoenix-area hospital, and did not suffer any serious injuries.
Martinez-Abril remains in YCSO custody and is set to appear back in court next week. The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to call 928-783-4427. You can also submit an anonymous tip at 78-CRIME or on the YCSO website.
