You ever had enough of drinking already? >> We're talking about Vegas. >> I was getting Chinese and the golf cart I see you pulling over after I got going around and he just hit me. >> How much have you drank today, ma'am? >> Uh maybe like three beers. >> Karen sometimes love to drive while drunk and sometimes they try to laugh off DUI even when apprehended. That is until they find out that someone met a tragic end during one of their drunken driving escapades. >> You're going to jail. You don't have a bond to keep to people tonight. I don't think you understand that. >> One of those individuals was killed as a result of their injuries that you caused during the crash. >> Um I have probable cause to place you under arrest for driving under the influence, okay? >> Here are several times when drunk Karens laugh off DUIs until they realize they hit someone. The first case begins with Leticia Boyd, a half-witted drunk Karen who got into an accident that sent someone to the afterlife. >> And I was going down 385. He darted in front of me and I went >> You're being charged with DUI manslaughter. You have no choice part of law. You can let them do it or we will hold you down and take it anyway. >> You're not going to do it. >> Yes, we are. >> On January the 16th, 2023, officers were deployed to investigate a DUI-related accident that resulted in a casualty and left some victims injured. As soon as they arrived, an officer spoke to a witness to gain insight into the accident. The explanation given was brief but enough to signal that the case was about to take a jarring turn. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Um did you see anything happen here? >> I did. So, me and my wife were in the truck in the left lane driving this way. That car flew by us in the right lane. That white and silver car, sorry. Flew by us in the right lane. He was coming out of that road and >> truck was coming from that way? >> Yes, sir. And I believe I It happened so quick. I don't know if he was trying to turn or go straight across but that car was flying by this lane, and >> Okay. How was that? >> And we literally saw this thing >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> He came from that way and that car came from west on 38th. >> Yes, yes, sir. >> Yes. Do you have your ID on you, sir? >> Uh yes, I do. We just said like, "Dude, slow the [ __ ] down." And then like 2 seconds later, >> Bam! >> I don't know who the hell was driving that one. I came straight to this guy cuz I saw him trap. >> Yeah. >> The cops didn't stop at just one witness. They spoke to others, and with each new statement, the case grew darker. What they were going to hear wasn't just damning, it was chilling, and would soon leave the culprit with nowhere to hide. >> Ma'am, can I talk with you real quick? >> Wow, I can't believe it. I see it on TV, but I'm all like jacked up, and then I saw it on the street. So, I live right there on the corner. >> Uh-huh. >> My friend Karen uh works from home. >> Okay. >> I was walking out the door to go to lunch and that >> Okay. >> So, you're going to >> on >> on Yeah. >> Well, one door is on 38th, and the other one's on 41st. >> Okay. >> It's the house with the slate uh chimney. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> But you walked out to the street yet? >> Sideways. Like I walked by the alley. >> Okay. >> So, I walked out, "Thank you. See you later." Go to get my I hear this noise. I go >> What type of noise did you >> Like a winding out, like an engine, like I don't know. Like I thought a plane was coming down. >> Yes. >> So, I'm like, "What the hell is that?" >> So, I >> I'm hearing this noise getting closer, but it went like a flash. Whoo! But it was airborne. Like I've never seen anything like that. Just on TV. >> So, >> It's going which direction? >> This way. >> So, it's going eastbound? >> Yes. >> How fast was the thing >> I Oh, I drive fast. You guys would be taking This thing was going over 100. Like I'm not I would never be over there. >> And you said they were airborne? >> Yes. That's It was not touching the No. And I don't know if you heard any clip flying. And then it was coming into the second I don't know it was so fast going but you saw that vehicle I thought it might have been that one because at first I was talking to the other officer and then I saw this It was I think silver cuz it was like >> Was it a truck a car >> It was a car >> A car so it was a car so you saw you heard like ready >> Loud I thought it was a plane plane I'm like holy [ __ ] >> And then so freaking >> Yeah >> You just >> He's going this way >> He's coming from >> 49 towards yeah >> Did you didn't witness any of this right or did you >> The only thing that I saw was the car Landing in my yard and her or I think it was a woman pulling a child out of this car the car was on fire Uh I went to go find my fire extinguisher fire extinguisher the guy pulled my hose though I forgot I had >> Oh >> Pulled it out the car >> Yeah So just to confirm you could see who was in the car after the crash right when the crash happened right >> Yes >> And what she look like >> She was black woman kind of tallish I guess she had I think she had long Dreadish looking or braids or something I didn't get a good look at her because I was more concentrated on the >> But you could see her in the car Right >> Yes And then she got out of the car yeah cuz I watched I heard rumbling which I guess is the stone and then I saw her I opened the door and all I heard her say was get out of the car I saw her get out of the car first and then the other people >> Um all right yeah we just wanted to confirm that you know you were able to see who was actually in the car after right when the >> Yeah if she whether or not she was driving I can't tell you that >> hope so cuz there was a five and a 10 year old that were in the car with her so >> Yeah I mean I do see both doors open she could have gotten out of that >> Yeah I mean she possibly could have got out of the passenger side but wondering if you could by chance knew which door she got out of. Okay, yeah, no worries. All right, that's all we needed. Thanks again. >> At this point, the cops were left with the heavy duty of breaking the disturbing news to the family of the victim. Although they would want justice, nothing prepares anyone for the loss of a loved one, and the cops could only hope that they handle the news bravely. >> Do you Do you speak English? >> Yeah, a little bit. >> bit? >> Yeah. >> Are you Denae? >> Yes. >> Okay. Unfortunately, it was your father that was involved. Okay. >> Is this my dad? >> It's your father, yes. Do you know where he was coming from or where he was headed to? Was he coming from the house? >> Yeah. >> Listen. >> Take your time. Take your time. You're fine. >> Is this my dad, right? >> He did not survive his injuries, sir. >> So, what >> He did not survive his injuries. >> Where has he done people? >> No. >> And what? >> He's still here at the scene. >> In here? >> He's still here, yes. >> What the man? >> We're trying to get to the bottom of that. We're in the middle of doing the investigation. That's why everybody's out here right now. >> He don't get it. >> Denae, are you You're okay with me talking to him? >> Yes. Yes. >> All we know right now is that Miguel was involved in a very serious accident. He did not survive his injuries from the crash. >> He don't survive? >> He did not survive. We're in the process of investigating it now to find out exactly what happened. Can I see my brother? So, that's where we're at right now. >> Talk to the guy later on after this. >> The driver of the other vehicle involved, we have them. We know who they are. We're just in the process of trying to put together the pieces to figure out exactly what happened. >> I'm very sorry, sir. >> We were we were in the process of getting ready to try to track you guys down to notify you. We hate that you guys like this. >> Can I see my lady? >> No. No. They were still here. They were still on scene. We have them. They're They're at the hospital. We have police with them. They're not going anywhere. We know who's responsible. We're just in the process of trying to figure out exactly what happened before we decide how to move forward with the investigation. I'm sorry. >> Excuse me. >> Can I go up there? >> Fortunately, it didn't take time for the cops to find the fleeing driver. But cops would soon have other disturbing details to worry about because for a woman whose reckless actions had led to a person's tragic end, her behavior was nothing to write home about. >> Um, did you have any alcohol to drink this evening? Uh, wine beer, mixed drinks? >> Probably a wine earlier, like a wine. A margarita. >> Margarita? Okay. Um, was it like a traditional like margarita glass earlier? >> Yeah. >> Just one? >> Yeah. >> Okay. And you said >> Nothing too much. >> Okay. What time do you think that was at? >> Oh. Probably um around 1:00, 2:00. >> 1:00, okay. And um you said you had wine. What time did you have wine? >> That that's when I had it. >> It was like a wine margarita? >> Yeah. >> Oh, okay. Okay. Oh, so I haven't had a chance to go to the scene. Um, where were you coming from prior to the accident? >> I was coming up 38th Avenue North. >> Okay. >> Going home. >> Okay. >> So I was coming up 38th Avenue. I passed 37th. He was coming from this way. So it had to be about 40th. And I was going down 38th. He darted in front of me. And I honked. >> Oh, okay. All right. Um, um, probable cause to place you under arrest for driving under the influence, okay? >> So, I got to go to the station. I can't I just can't just >> Yeah, we have to go to the station first, um, and then you'll be transported up to Kenosha County Detention Center. >> Eventually, it would become necessary to take a blood sample. Although, she was a Karen, she was smart enough to know that a blood test was the ultimate giveaway. She had to find all means necessary to prevent the cops from taking it. >> All right, we're going to come inside for a few minutes. I'll grab your keys. There's an officer who's going to come, okay? I saw you had a little canister as well as this. Oh, earrings. Okay. Sorry. >> I just need your keys. >> Okay. I'm just going to ask you real quick, okay? I'm now requesting that you submit to a lawful test of your blood for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content and the presence of chemical or controlled substances. Would you be willing to provide it? No? Okay. >> What'd she say? >> No. >> Okay. Then we'll take it. >> We Okay, we're taking it. >> Unfortunately, because somebody is seriously injured in this crash or killed, we can take it anyway. >> I don't know if you can. >> Yeah. >> You're being charged with DUI manslaughter. You have no choice. Per the law, you can let them do it, or we will hold you down and take it anyway. >> You're not going to do it. >> Yes, we are. >> You're not going to >> Yes, we are. 100% happening. >> Okay. >> So, this is a little bitty needle, okay? It's just going to go right in here. I'm going to do >> Hey, Scott. Can I take the one cuff off? >> And then, I'm going to do this. I'm going to take the blood. I'm going to do the other one, too, okay? >> Okay. >> But, you away. It might make you feel a little better cuz you don't really notice it, all right? >> I'll just have you stand up real quick. I have to push you up in the handcuffs, all right? Go ahead and put your um the back of your hands together. It'll be most comfortable. >> In the end, Leticia Boyd was charged with DUI manslaughter as well as parental neglect. The last drunk Karen was definitely ignorant, but she was nothing compared to Stephanie, a feeble-minded drunk Karen who believed that she could be in class the next day after running over two people. >> Um but I promise you like I only know one person got hit and I'm just like they came out of nowhere because I >> Did you understand what I told that you killed two people tonight? >> Yes, so I'm just wondering when I can go to school. >> On April the 10th, 2022, a woman named Stephanie called 911 and reported that she had caused an accident that involved just one victim. The cops arrived as fast as they could to render aid to the victim and kickstart the investigation, but when they met Stephanie, they quickly realized that she probably had too much to drink. >> Come over here with me, ma'am, okay? >> I called as soon as this happened. I was really hoping this doesn't happen to >> I understand. >> I know it's badly. Like why would this happen to me? >> Okay, so here's what I'm going to have you do. If you can uh maybe help fire over there doing CPR on that one right now. >> You tell me, I'm right here. >> Okay. Just hang tight right here. Did anybody get any of your information? >> No. No one Someone Your friend took my license. >> Do you have a driver's license? >> Your friend took my license. >> Okay. I'm I'm just going to write it down here. Just let you know I got body cameras. Okay. What is your first name? >> S T E P H A N I E >> Middle initial? >> I don't have one. >> Okay, last name? >> Melgoza >> Okay. >> Yes, sir. >> Can you uh Were you leaving the bar or were you coming this down the road? >> I was coming here. >> Okay. >> I had just gotten my night started. >> So, were you going this direction or this direction? >> was coming this direction. >> Okay, here's what I'm going to have you do uh >> Yes, please. >> Let's just get Let's get away from the scene a little bit. Let them do their thing, okay? This is your car, right? The correct the red car? You were the only one in the vehicle? >> only one. >> Okay, come over here to my squad car, okay? >> Yep. >> Well, or let's worry about the two people were doing CPR right now. >> Okay. How are you doing? >> Yeah, hang tight here for a minute. Okay. Get Can you take your purse off and just set that on here? We got to Yep. Do you have anything illegal on you? >> Yes, I have uh in >> In your purse, okay. Have you had any tonight? >> No. >> Okay. Do you set those on the car for me? >> My vape, too? >> Yep, yep. Set that down there. >> And my phone? >> And your phone? >> Yes, ma'am. >> All right, just come over here. Put your hands on my car. I've got to pat search before I put you in my car, okay? >> Okay, yes. >> No pockets or anything? Okay. All right, until we figure out how we're going to handle this, I'm going to have you sit uncuffed in the back seat of my car. I'm going to get you out. We're going to probably do some field sobriety tests and all that. I got some more questions for you. But right now, I'm going to have you sit down just so we're out of the roadway, okay? Right over here. Just scoot that over for me, okay? >> You want to do it? >> There we go. Are you hurt at all or need or need medics yourself? >> Uh no, sir. >> Okay, cuz your entire I mean, your car's pretty beat up. I'm making sure you Are you bleeding anywhere? >> Um no, I'm okay. >> Is that little blood splatter on your hands from maybe from the glass? I see you got glass cut all over you. >> Do I? I think I'm okay. >> Okay. All right, hang tight a minute. It eventually became necessary to question the young lady, but being a Karen there was a high likelihood that she was going to a portion blame to anyone or anything but herself. >> What's How do you say your first name? >> Stephanie. >> Stephanie, okay. That being said, will you talk to me, explain what happened? Okay. All right, so explain detail just what happened prior to the accident. >> I was coming to full throttle and I was almost here as you can see. >> Were you Were you driving this way or that coming down that side of >> This way here, this way. >> Okay. >> And suddenly one person walked out in front of me. >> Okay. >> And my car got hit. I called you as soon as they got hit. >> You called 911? >> called 911 as soon as something happened. And then someone said, "Oh, someone else is hit." I'm just like, "Oh my god, how did that happen?" >> Okay, what happened when you hit the one person? What happened? >> I just called you, that's all I know. I called you. >> they fall down right away or did you get out and help them or what happened? >> I got out, I called you and then everyone else came out. So I like kind of just let them >> Okay. >> come and take over the situation. >> Okay. >> Um but I promise you like I only know one person got hit and I'm just like they came out of nowhere because I a safe driver. >> I get it. Hang on 1 minute. Just got to start the rain here, okay? Um if you had asked me how fast were you going when you hit the person? >> I would say I was going at least at least 40. >> At least >> At least >> Maybe 40 to 45, but at least 40. >> Okay. All right. do you think you were going too fast for this area at the time with the darkness? >> I honestly don't think I was going too fast because I try to be cautionary about where I'm at. >> Okay. >> But I just know that someone one person came out of nowhere. >> And did you have your headlights on? >> Yes, sir. >> Brights on or just regular headlights? >> Regular. >> Okay. Okay. So, obviously you saw them, it was no time to react and try to stop. >> That's the word. >> Okay. All right. Where were you coming from tonight? >> coming from Tavern 41 on Sterling Avenue. >> Tavern 31 on Sterling >> 41. >> Tavern 41 on Sterling Avenue. Okay. And you left the Tavern 41 and drove straight here? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Over the course of the night, how much have you had to drink? >> I probably had about three drinks. >> What's What's What is three drinks to you? Like, are we talking what type of drinks? >> Vodka. Just vodka. >> Vodka. Straight vodka or mixed drinks? >> Uh vodka and water. So, I was staying hydrated, you know, and drinking. >> On a uh >> Like right now, if you had me do a test, I think I would pass. Just like not Don't test me, but I think I would pass. >> Okay. I'm going to be honest. We're We are going to do those tests here in a little bit. Because of the circumstances, obviously we have to, okay? Uh how long ago was your last drink, would you say? >> Uh my last drink, I would say about 40 minutes. >> 40 minutes ago. Did Were you drinking anything while you were in the vehicle or was the last drink at the bar? >> At the bar. >> Okay. On a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the least drunk you've ever been, 10 being the most drunk you've ever been, where would you say you put yourself at right now? >> Five. Because I've been very drunk. And right now, like I see you, I see everyone. I know the situation, you know what I mean? Like I know I'm aware of everything. >> Okay. Here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to close the door. Uh if it stops raining, we might do some tests in the roadway. Otherwise, we might go back to the police station. We'll figure out it. How we're going to do it, okay? Is there Yeah, we got your purse, your uh phone already. And that's That's all we need out of your car, right? Okay. Take care. >> Following procedure, a field sobriety test was conducted. Stephanie laughed as she made a spectacle of herself, oblivious to the fact that her selfishness had cost someone their life. A breathalyzer test was also conducted, and the results came back with a staggering .264, more than three times the legal limit of .08. >> Okay, go and turn around for me and place your hands behind your back. You are under arrest for DUI. Okay? Okay. >> You're doing great. >> All right. Come right over here. Let me sit back in the car, okay? All right. >> Yes, sir. Whatever you say. >> Strangely, the situation didn't seem to bother Stephanie. She was rather worried about frivolous things that she wouldn't get to partake in behind bars. Okay. So, just so we're clear, I'm going to undo your seat belt, okay? There we go. Okay. So, you understand what we're going to do. First off, I'm going to let you know the two people You did hit two people total. >> not. >> You did. >> I didn't. >> Okay. I'm just Okay. However you want to word it to yourself, that's fine, okay? I'm just telling you there's two people struck by your vehicle, and both both are >> I did not hit them. >> Okay. Okay. Well, I'm just telling you the two people that hit your car Ma'am, this Listen. >> If I >> Two people struck your vehicle, so I'm telling you and they're both deceased on scene. I'm just telling you that information, okay? We're going to go in here. We're going to do the thing. I appreciate you being cooperative so far. I'm just tell I got to tell you what's going on. You understand? >> Yes. >> Okay. Come All right, come on out here this way. All right. All right, right over here. Here. >> And it was not two people. If it was two, I'd be crying. You know what I mean? I'd be like, "Oh my god, I did this." I'd be like, "Wow, this ain't no Mars, but I know what I did." >> Okay. >> And then I'm going to go to Vegas. I'm going to take me to Vegas. It's going to be so fun. I'm going We're going at least $500 And I'm going to start off with two Long Islands. >> Yes. You haven't had enough of drinking already? >> We're talking about Vegas. There's no limit in Vegas, right? Have you been there? I swear to god if you're Snapchatting right now and I'm not. I'm going to be mad. I'm not going to answer anyone's Snapchat. I'm not going to answer any questions. This is going to be my last call. I'm going to go home. Okay. Well, you're being too quiet, so I'm going to start singing because I hate quiet. So >> I got to figure out the paperwork. >> That's fine. I just got to start singing. Let's go, man. Ooh, ETA has a baby. Cute. Oh, hey. You never answered me about my car. I totaled my car, so how do I get my car this morning? >> Well, your car is totaled. >> It's what? >> Your car is totaled. >> Totaled totaled? >> Totaled. Wrecked. >> Okay, so how do I get this email? >> You don't. >> So, what do you mean? I don't go to school tomorrow, but you can have me? >> No, ma'am. You want me to be honest with you? You're going to jail. You don't have a bond. You killed two people tonight. I don't think you understand that. You do not have a bond. You are not getting out of jail. Your car is property of the East Peoria Police Department because it's a crime scene. You killed two people tonight. You are clueless with that. Clearly, I've already explained this to you. You're going to jail for reckless homicide tonight. You're going to jail for aggravated DUI for killing two people. That's what's going on. So, no, you're not going to school tomorrow. You're not getting your car out of impound. >> Okay, but Tuesday night can we make plans? >> Did you just hear what I just told you? >> You said I'm not going tomorrow. I'm talking about Tuesday. >> Did you hear what I said that you >> to jail tomorrow. >> Did you You're going to jail when we're done here. >> Yes. >> Did you understand what I told that you killed people tonight? >> Yes, I'm just wondering when I can go to school. >> Okay, we're done. You're all on body camera being completely careless about killing two people tonight. >> The cops' statements could have set Stephanie straight, but instead they only pushed her further into irrationality. She didn't know it yet, but a painful realization was coming and it would hit her harder than she ever imagined. >> You could care less. That's sad, and pathetic, and horrible all at the same time. >> Can you say that on the record? >> Yes, ma'am, I can. Okay. >> Okay, so can I ask why I can go back to school? So, what do you mean like straight you mean like the professors and do you want me to say I can go back to school or Cuz I graduate in four weeks. Like I need to >> I don't know. Well, to be quite frankly, I'm a little more concerned about the two people that are right there. >> It's not like it's going to be Do you like all that my co-workers say? >> Oh my god, all of them have the We're going to be like so Come on, dog. He's tired of this dude. It's okay. We're taking him to Vegas for her birthday. In 2 months. It'll be fun. I just can't wait to >> Stephanie was eventually charged with two counts of reckless homicide and severe DUI. In the next case, we have Emily, a drunken Karen who thought she could drive a cyclist over a wall and then walk away unscathed. >> But I saw him and I went around him and I go I went to social work and I go I'm like, no. >> You're a social worker? >> Yes, I'm going for social work. I'm doing masters in >> Oh, okay. On February the 29th, 2024, officers were dispatched to East Lowman Avenue and Interstate 25 to investigate a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a cyclist. Upon arrival, the first officers on scene were greeted by a sight that stopped them cold. The true horror of the scene unfolded when a witness began to describe the accident in morbid details, revealing just how the collision had escalated into an unimaginable tragedy. >> Did you go over the bridge? Where's he at? >> On my back. I have a pulse, but it's very weak. >> Officer. So, I saw him here. I turned it there. Um So, flew over the wall. Yeah, I think he has a broken leg. >> Okay, can you tell me one more time again? >> So, what happened? >> The There was the white Mustang was taking uh I think a [ __ ] I don't even I think they took a left going this way. They're going pretty fast, hit the ramp hard. He was here, flew over. So, I parked over there, ran over here. Uh I think he has a broken leg. And he's not responding like at least uh mentally. You know if he's breathing? >> My name is I'm sorry, I'm an EMT. >> All right, I got you. All right, they're right here. You're all right, buddy. >> He's not responding. >> Did he land right here? He said he landed over here, right? >> He was He was somewhere I think he was walking right here and he was like they hit him and he bounced over, rolled, landed right here. >> The cop spoke to an agitated suspect in her attempts to exempt herself from the responsibility only hinted at a deeper truth, one that she certainly could not conceal for very long. >> Can you hang up the phone? >> I'll talk to you later when I call the cops. I am so sorry. >> What happened? >> turning I was getting Chinese and the guy said I see you one lane over I was trying to go around and he hit me. I was like I I stopped him and then I hit him so he hit me. >> Okay, where were you coming from? >> I was coming right here. I was going on the Interstate I was going like I was going to the Chinese buffet. >> Okay, so you had just gotten off and went this way? >> Yeah, yeah, like I moved over and I could see him moving to the middle of the road like okay, moved over and then like he moved forward and I'm like >> Which lane were you in? >> I was in this lane and I went to that lane cuz the thing is I saw him in this lane. I'm like okay, I moved around him and he went forward. >> So, he's in front of you, you're going like this >> Yes, sir. >> and then you're going to go to the left lane, the one left and then he got in your way? >> Yes, I was. >> Do you have your license registration and insurance? Where are you coming from? >> I was coming from Loman. I just came to get Chinese food. I'm so sorry. This is my ID. I'm so sorry. >> Where are you coming from? >> I was coming from Loman. I literally just came home. >> This this is Loman. >> I'm so sorry. >> Where are you coming from? >> I was coming from University off of Loman. I literally just dropped off my little sister. I told her I was going to get some Chinese food from the Chinese buffet and I saw him and I went around him and then I drove >> So, you're coming from University? >> Yes, sir. >> you just drop off your niece? >> I dropped off my little little sister right now. >> Your little sister? >> Yes, my little sister at Loman off my parents' house right now. I went to go to you guys over there and I went over here and like I saw him and I went around him. >> Is Rona still a good address for you? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Do you have insurance and registration on you? >> Yes, sir, I do. >> Can I have it, please? >> Yes, sir. >> No drinking or driving, no drugs or nothing? >> No, sir. >> Okay. I just have to ensure that's all. >> I'm so sorry. >> Let me go with you cuz these people >> I just paid off this vehicle. >> That's fine. You said no drinking or driving, right, ma'am? >> No, sir. >> Okay. Okay, sounds good. What's that? >> I'm so sorry. I saw him. What's going on? >> Do you have insurance on you? >> I'm so sorry. >> I should be just right here. >> I'm so sorry. >> Um >> I'm so sorry. >> I will they're checking them. I'm just real >> I got in his way. I ain't going to lie. >> Let's go to the Let's go to the curb. Let's go to the curb. You can put that back in your car, ma'am. It's fine. I just need this. >> I was getting it just in case it like >> No, I just put it up so you're not holding it. Uh this is not going to open. >> I was it's not it. >> Um, out of curiosity, so you're on the lane. >> I saw him like really pulling through. I'm like, "Okay, I'm going to avoid him." But then he like starts to go through. I'm like, "No, no, no, no." >> Okay. Can you Can you have a seat right here for me, please? Can you have a seat right here for me? What's your name? Let me see. Emily, they're assessing him. Okay, I'll keep you updated on all that. Um, out of curiosity, cuz there was some I heard some blame to say that he didn't go over a curb or anything like that, right? >> No, I went this way. That's why I'm like, "What do you mean?" I went this way. >> And was he on the lane or was he in this little thing right here? >> him like go in this little going this way. I'm like, "No, I'm going to go this way." Then like >> So, from this little lane right here? >> Yes. >> He's going this way, so then you're going to go Okay. Are you hurting anyway? >> No, I'm just Is he okay? >> I don't know, they're assessing him. Okay. I don't know. I'm not going to lie to you. All right, Emily, we're just gathering everyone's statements, okay? That's all. >> I think he's going to be in the back. >> Uh, regardless of the fact what's going to happen given the the severity of the impact and all that, we're going to have a traffic unit come out and do their diagrams and all that stuff. So, we're going to be here for a little bit, okay? >> Yes, sir. >> Regardless of the fact, um >> Perfect. >> Is he okay? >> I don't They transported him up. Respectfully, I've only spoken to you and what I overheard. I I did not make any contact with him, so I don't know. >> I was trying to avoid him. >> Did the impact happen right there? >> Yes, it happened right here. That's why I was like trying to avoid him. I'm like, "Okay." I saw him pass. I'm like, "Okay, like I'm going to avoid him." And then he went that way. That's why I was like, "Why?" >> Okay. All righty. Just want to make sure cuz I again, I don't know where the allegation came from the sidewalk. That's what I'm trying to piece together. >> Like, "No, I never hit the sidewalk." That's why I'm like I went around him. >> Okay. >> Her efforts to downplay her involvement only drew more attention to it. The officer was already growing skeptical were about to make a move that would unravel her story entirely. >> Do you know how he ended up on that side? >> No, I don't know. That's the thing is like I don't know. They dragged him over there. The thing is like pull that over here. I don't like is he okay? Is he okay? And they're like oh yeah, they pulled him over there. >> Okay. >> So, question. >> Hi ma'am, I'm Officer Molinar. >> Yes, sir. >> Um what's your name? >> Emily Portillo. >> Emily? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay, Emily. Um there's going to be some tests that I want to do. They're um standardized field uh sobriety tests. Um and I want to eliminate those uh eliminate anything that you've been if you've been drinking or anything like that. I'm not saying that you are, but would you be willing to administer and participate in the test? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. All right. You can just get up and follow me over here. >> Following protocol, the cops conducted a field sobriety test to confirm if Emily was intoxicated. A sobriety test was going to expose her, but if she was able to come up with some genius way to distract or dissuade the cops from towing that line of action, there's going to be a chance that she just might mitigate the consequences of it. >> Go relax, Emily. Go and relax. You can wipe your tears if you want. >> But I was like >> Again, this is just to ensure you're not impaired. That's all. I got you. >> I'm going to social work. I don't know. >> You're a social worker? >> Yes, I'm going to social work. I'm in masters >> Oh, okay. Okay. I got you. Just take some breathers, ma'am. I know you're anxious. Just try to relax. The more nervous you are, the more you're going to overthink these tests. And this isn't a pass or fail. It's just to check impairment. That's all. >> I'm very anxious. >> I know. But we just need you >> is my first time ever. I'm just like >> I would just want to make sure that you're able to retain well the instructions. That's So, for the time being, try your best to just do that. >> I was literally checking on the other school with the Chinese food. >> I know. I got you. I got you. >> You don't know if he's okay, huh? >> Not yet. Well, an officer she went to the hospital, okay? >> I'm sorry. I'm just >> I don't. I just don't want to lie to you and say he's okay when I don't know. >> I just want Why did he leave? >> Emily right >> I'm sorry. >> It's okay. Hey, look. I'm going to do the testings, okay? >> Okay. >> Just do me a favor. Hang up. Just relax. Take a deep breath. >> I'm sorry. Why did he have to leave like this? Like >> I got you. So, let me I'm going to do the testings, okay? But, I need to write some stuff down before we would start anything, okay? Do me a favor. Relax. Take a deep breath. >> I can't breathe. My nose is clogged. I can't breathe. >> I got you. I got you. Have you been drinking now? Um but listen Emily right >> Yes, sir. >> Emily's attempt to derail the investigation with her performance only fueled the officer's determination. Unmoved, they now switched tactics focused on uncovering the truth by any means necessary. Have you been drinking today? >> No. I drank like literally earlier today like around like 5 hours earlier with my friend. >> What did you drink? >> I drank like Jim Beam. But, that was like around like 4:00. >> Okay. Did you take So, were you mixed drinks? Was it a mixed drink or was it a >> Just like one. >> One? >> Yes, sir. >> And like a regular or a double? >> No, like normal. >> Okay. Where were you at? >> It was at her place. >> Her place? >> Yes, at her >> Okay. >> It was like literally around 4:00 p.m. That's when like >> Okay. So, one shot of Jim Beam at 4:00 p.m. >> Yes, sir. >> And you stopped at 4:00 p.m. >> Yes, sir. That's when like >> Okay. Are you still willing to do this testing? >> Yes, sir. >> And it's just to rule out the fact that you might be intoxicated. So, I just want to make sure that you were safe to operate this vehicle when you did, all right? All right. >> The test continued and the outcome was just as expected. Emily was driving under the influence, and from that moment all Emily had tried to avoid now came crashing down around her. An accountability, which seemed once elusive, was now an inescapable truth. >> All right, Emily, do me a favor. Face that way. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. This is counselor training. >> Yeah. Come on. >> I'm going to just twinge. >> So, you'll be placed under arrest for DUI, okay? All right, Emily. Um Yeah. Is your wallet, ID, and all that stuff in here? >> You should check it with me. >> Okay. >> Yes, sir. >> Like many Karens before her, Emily tried to spin her failure into something more tragic than simple intoxication. But, no matter how she painted it, the truth remained unchanged. >> Do you understand why you're in the back of my car, right? >> I felt some type of vertigo just now. >> And so, I I you didn't It's not a pass or fail test, okay? I just saw some impairment. >> So, I do have astigmatism. I do have hyperlordosis. I have actually balance issues because of my back problems. >> Okay. >> So, I don't know if I should identify that. The thing is I don't want to blame myself either for like any disability issue. >> Right. So, like I said, I just saw some some concerns. Um and so, from here we still got to do a little more testing, uh and then go from there. >> No, I understand. Like, I I understand. that. >> Perfect. I appreciate your cooperation. I'll get back to you Okay. tomorrow. >> Yes. I'll sorry. I'll take my phone with me. >> I'll just put it on >> Would it be an issue if I had my handcuffs in front of me? I promise I won't do anything. I promise. Like I'm not going to do This is my first time ever being arrested or anything. >> How old are you? >> I'm 26. 27. >> Okay. Um for policy, he has to be in the back. Why is it that you need them off from? Cuz it's uncomfortable? >> It's uncomfortable. >> Okay. >> I'm sorry. >> Yeah. It's all >> Look, it's not It's okay. I'm not going to I'm not going to argue. I'm not going to like complain. I'm going to make you guys a job easier. I understand. Like I just hope this is okay. >> Now you do you. >> No, I understand. Thank you. >> All right. The officer spoke to Emily's family, filling them in on the case. But the gravity of the situation seemed secondary to them as they focused instead on concerns that may never matter. >> Did they talk to you about like what's going on? So I did some some fields on your on your daughter for standardized field sobriety tests which we do for possibly impaired drivers, okay? I saw some concerns during those testings. So that's why I made the decision to to further that investigation. She also admitted to me that she drank earlier. She said 4:00. And that she smoked. But I I these usually have THC which she says it has. So this also impairs someone's judgment driving. So I feel I have a few things that I I still want to continue the process. But right now she's under arrest for driving while intoxicated under liquor and or drugs. So from here I have to take her to the station and then do my my thing over there. The traffic investigators have to deal with the whole crash incident. The person that was here was sent to the hospital. At this point we don't know what the condition is. To be honest, he didn't look too good. But hopefully hopefully he will be okay. Okay? And I just want to be uh transparent with you guys. Okay? You have any questions for >> What do we need to do that way What happens if we never >> Okay, so I'll talk to them and I'll ask them what they want you guys to do. Um because her car is going to is going to be impounded. Uh I just want to know where and if there's going to be a hold or we're going to take it to the station cuz we need to look into it later on or if it's just going to be taken to a uh tow yard. And if it does, we'll let you know which one. Uh so let me Let me ask if they have me if they want you guys to stay for whatever reason. If they don't, then you guys are free to go. Okay? >> And and will we know where she'll be at? >> So right now she's going to the station. Once we're at the station, I still have stuff to do. I got to if she is willing to give me a breath test, I got to take that. And then after that there might be a possibility that I have to call another another investigator out to help me continue. If not, then that's it. But if if everything goes as as it's supposed as it's supposed to be as how it goes she'll end up Donana County tonight. Um she'll stay there tonight. I don't know if tomorrow's Friday. I don't know if she's going to talk to the judge tomorrow or even the weekend. If not, she'll stay there till Monday probably. And then she'll get released either on bond or they'll let you let her just go. And she's promised that she's going to go forward with what she's told. Uh but I that information I don't have at this time. Okay? So let me ask them what they want you guys >> It's just I'm not sure mentally she's okay. She's studying to be a social >> Yeah. >> And she already has her bachelor's. She's working on her master's social work. can imagine what she feels she hurts on. And this is like the biggest thing for her is to help her. >> I'll let you just ask me if she's okay, but I don't want you guys talking about anything else. >> no. Please. >> Okay? >> Just ask >> Okay. >> I don't want that. Oh, it's okay. >> After Emily's mother was given a chance to speak to her, Emily was transported to the station. As protocol demanded, she was asked to take a breathalyzer test. The test was administered, and the result came back as .12. Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to his injuries and passed away. Emily was ultimately charged with homicide by vehicle, driving while under the influence, as well as reckless driving. Emily's desperate bid to escape the consequences of her actions was nothing short of repulsive. But then again, you haven't yet met Brian Bennett, a man whose drunk driving sent someone to eternal rest. >> How much did you have to drink tonight? >> I had a couple. >> What's a couple? >> Like a tall boy. >> You're going to be arrested for OVI or no VI is aggravated vehicular assault. >> Okay. >> On January the 2nd, 2023, officers received multiple 911 calls reporting a catastrophic crash that had just occurred at State Route 78. Among them was a call from one of the victims. The urgency in his voice prompted the officers to race towards the scene, and when they arrived, it immediately became clear that what they had imagined was mere child's play compared to the nightmare standing before them. >> Man, I won't see Cuz the guy I fought, his name was Ashworth. They're taking him down to that other squad. Here is his ID. Uh oh. Are you on? >> I'm on. >> He's intoxicated, okay. That's his ID. He was driving this truck. He doesn't remember what happened. But here's the me, is he came around the corner, left the center and hit this guy. He was He was a happy one that ripped his door off. But, uh >> Yes. >> That's the end of the road. That's what I call a pancake there. >> And this is >> Pancake? >> That's our assistant chief. He's the guy we're trying to get in the car. He's the one that's going to fly. >> Okay. >> But, yeah. Just take care of this guy. They're going to take him to the fire squad. >> Okay. >> The cop spoke to the suspect, Brian, hoping to understand what had led to this accident. His words were carefully measured, yet filled with hesitation. But, what Brian didn't know was that those same words would soon set the case on the path it needed to follow. >> I'm still here. I'm just moving out of the way. >> What's your name, sir? >> I'm Brian. >> Brian? >> Yeah. >> Okay. What happened? >> I don't know. It was like seeing something and then it was like this and then I don't even know. >> You see your other car there in rear quarter. Which way were you going? >> That way. >> Towards uh >> I imagine towards Bucklin. We live on 685. >> Okay. Where were you coming from? >> Um just out there >> Where's out where? >> Friend of mine was like, "Oh, man, I'm just was out his place. >> Okay. Do you remember what happened with the crash? >> It was It was just everything happened so fast. It was so I don't even know. >> Okay. Um do you have any medical conditions? >> No, not that I know of. >> Okay. How much did you have to drink tonight? >> I had a couple. >> What's a couple? >> Like a tall boy. >> A tall boy or a few tall boys? >> A tall boy. >> Just one? >> Yeah. >> How long ago was that? >> All right, a couple hours ago. >> Okay. All right. Are you Are you at all? >> I'm hurt a little bit. >> Okay. Where at? >> Like my leg. Both my legs. >> Okay. >> He's got a couple of little scrapes and stuff. >> Um Did you have your seatbelt on? >> Mhm. >> Okay. Do you remember anything about the crash? >> Just Everything happened so fast. >> Mhm. Where's your buddy live that you were coming from? >> Uh down the road. >> Say again. >> Down the road. >> Where's down the road? >> Uh I don't even know his address. >> Okay. >> After Brian was transported to the hospital, the cops continued to question him, but his drowsy behavior did not add up. Meaning officers realized that questioning alone would not get them the answers that they needed. >> I don't know. >> Did he talk to you much? Okay. Mhm. Let's see if we can It's okay. What's his first name again? I just I lost his ID out there, that's why. They won't be rude. Hey Brian. Brian. How's it going? Trooper Jewel, State Patrol. We're staying here at crash. Do you Do you remember anything about the crash? >> No. >> Do you remember anything about the crash? >> No. >> Not at all? Okay. Do you remember anything before the crash or after the crash? >> No. >> What then? Has he been like this the entire time? >> Pretty much. >> Okay. Now I'm not going to be able to get him. I'll get anything from See if I can take a look at his eyes though. Want to make sure that >> Yeah. Did you hit your head during the crash? >> Mhm. Okay. All right then. >> You got to open up your eyes a little bit for me? A little bit more. >> Following the due procedure, officers conducted a horizontal gaze nystagmus test while Brian was on the hospital bed. And the results hinted at impairment. To confirm their suspicions, the officers knew they had to conduct further tests. But there was one catch. Those tests would only be possible if they had a cooperative suspect. >> Do you have to use the restroom? >> Yeah. >> You do? Okay, would you be willing to provide a a urine sample? >> A what? >> A urine sample. >> For what? >> For what? >> For what? >> For just impairment. >> No. >> No? Okay. All right then. You'd be willing to blow into the PBT, portable breath test? >> No. >> No? Okay. How much have you had to drink? >> I didn't have a beer. >> You had a beer? >> Yeah, one and a half a beer and a >> A beer and a half? Okay, about how big How big are these? >> Were they beers small small small like the >> Like a short? A short? Okay. So you had What kind of What kind of beer did you Bud Light, Miller Lite or >> Busch Light. >> Okay. Do you see any signs of impairment? All right. Be willing to give a just a This has nothing to do with the crash or with the with your impairment. All this is is just a a statement about the crash. Now I got you a little bit more awake. Do you remember anything about the crash? >> Not much. >> Okay, what do you What do you remember? >> I don't remember much at all. I don't remember >> You don't You don't remember it? >> I was just driving and then I don't know what happened. >> Okay. So, were you distracted by anything? >> Not that I remember. >> Okay. Do you remember if you had your seatbelt on? >> Yeah. >> You did? Okay. >> I think that's why my chest hurts. >> Huh? Yeah. Yeah. Do you know about how fast you were going? >> 40. >> You said 40? >> That's what I saw when I seen it. >> Last time you seen it? >> Ryan thought that the officer's calm approach meant that he'd get away with his recklessness. But that was just a thought, a fleeting hope that would only become reality in very rare cases. >> We're trying to get him up. He'll end up He'll end up going with me. >> Mhm. >> He's taking him to the the region. He's going to jail. >> Okay. What's the charge? >> Hm? >> What's the charge? >> Aggravated vehicular assault. Oh. What's that? >> What? >> Huh? >> What what? >> You're You're going with me tonight. Going to the region. >> What? >> Okay. Yeah. Good. Good. Get up and go out to the patrol car. Head out again. Place handcuffs in here. >> Do you want me to take your phone and wallet or anything? Okay. >> You have anything else in your pocket that she needs to take or I mean, I'm going to have to take everything out of the pockets anyways, so might as well. Everything. And your phone here. You're good to go. That's fine. >> You got everything out of your pockets that you want to give? >> Yeah. >> You can use the restroom, that's fine. >> That's that's all right. I just wanted to make sure that >> You still got your ID? >> I have it. >> Okay. Yeah. >> As long as somebody has >> He's got it. >> Okay. As long as somebody has it. >> Skyline has the vehicle. >> Skyline >> All right, then what's going on here? >> Nothing. >> Huh? >> So what's going on now? >> Going to be arrested for OVI or OVI is aggravated vehicular >> Okay. >> Why do you just go face this face wall there and let me place handcuffs on you. >> Okay. >> Now before we walk out there. >> All right. >> Pray. >> Brian failed to understand the gravity of what had occurred, concerning himself with matters that had seemed trivial in comparison to the havoc that he had wrecked. >> The other individual is seriously hurt. >> And so I was at fault. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Okay. Let's go ahead and roll out to the car. >> In the end, Brian Bennett was charged with two counts of severe homicide as well as multiple counts of operating a vehicle under the influence. The other driver sadly met his demise, taking the full weight of what Brian had done. If you thought you've seen the most dreadful drunk Karens laughing off DUIs, wait until you meet Ray, a drunk man-child who ended an innocent life while driving under the influence, and then had the nerve to cry about his truck. >> Look at my truck. It's still working. You said I didn't hit those guys, right? >> What happened? >> I hit them. >> Yeah. >> But my truck was never on the like >> On January the 21st, 2023, officers arrived at the scene of a tragic crash on I-40, Albuquerque, where a drunk driver slammed into vehicles parked on the shoulder, leaving two individuals battling for their lives. The cop spoke to the suspect, Ray, but he was too busy fumbling with his own excuses and irrelevant complaints to realize how quickly his freedom was now slipping away. >> Hey partner. >> Oh, sorry. >> I'm Officer Gonzales with APD. What's your name? >> Ray. >> Ray, what happened tonight? >> I don't know. Look at my truck. That's my baby. >> See that? >> Everything good in here? >> It's No, no, we're fine. >> Okay. So >> We're okay, though. That's what matters, you know? Look at my truck. It's still working. So, this guy This guy's The one that I like their hair, and they left. We're still here. Look at my truck. Look how How my truck is right now. >> How much have you drank tonight, man? >> Uh maybe like three beers. That's it. >> How long ago was that? >> Uh like an hour ago. >> Okay. So, I'm going to ask you to do some field sobriety tests. You be willing to do that? >> Yeah. >> No injuries from the crash? >> No. >> No? You hit your head on anything? >> No. My truck just stopped. That's >> Okay. Any other injuries or >> No. >> medical conditions that affect your ability to walk, stand, or balance? >> We're hurt. No, I'm good. We're not hurt. >> Okay. Well, I'm just You're the You were driving, right? >> Yeah, I was driving. >> All right. So, we're going to walk over here a little bit. >> Following protocol, a field sobriety test was conducted, and it showed clear signs of intoxication. Ray was no longer just a drunk driver with a wrecked truck. He was now a criminal who put lives at risk by driving under the influence. >> Right now, you're under arrest for DUI. I need you to turn around and put cell phone, please. Thank you. Is there anything you need to get out >> Like your phone right here like that? >> Um I think I got my phone with me and my glasses, that's it. >> Where's your I didn't feel your phone anymore. >> Uh maybe in my pockets, I don't know. Maybe it's in my truck. >> Okay. Well, we're going to have to come back here, okay? Go ahead and have a seat for me. It's also cold as [ __ ] out here. What kind of phone is yours? >> It's an iPhone 13. >> What kind of What color is it? >> It's uh gold. >> Is this one here? >> Yeah, that's it. Yeah. >> How are you? >> You know, I was reading the CAD and I was on my way home and I was like So, I know that you got victim ID'd and you're working on getting the other passenger ID'd. You got the doctor's boarding line. >> A cop informed Ray of the disaster he had caused, but if there was one thing a drunk Cameron is known for, it's blindly justifying their mistakes. He didn't get understand how desperate and delusional he seemed. >> So, I'm going to give you a I'm going to give you a better idea of what's going on here, okay? So, I know you told the officers that you didn't know what happened in the crash, so I'll explain it to you. So, two cars are parked in the right shoulder cuz one of them was had a flat tire and they were changing the tire. You struck the rear vehicle which subsequently hit the front vehicle where two people were outside of that vehicle changing a tire. One of those individuals was killed as a result of their injuries that you caused during the crash. The second person is still in critical condition at UNM Hospital with bleeding of their brain and multiple facial fractures. So, today you're being charged with one count of homicide by motor vehicle DWI and one count of great bodily harm by motor vehicle DWI. Currently, I'm awaiting approval on a search warrant to have your blood drawn to be tested for alcohol content and or drug content depending upon the results of the alcohol content. So, as soon as I get that warrant approval, I have a phlebotomist that will come over here. She's going to draw your blood. Um that blood draw will be by the order of a judge. Okay? I know this is not pleasant and this is certainly not what you want to hear. I'm going to get you through this process as quickly as I can. You're going to get booked on those charges today. Um you'll probably have to wait for a a first appearance in front of a judge um probably not till Monday or Tuesday um cuz the district court judges don't work over the weekends. Uh and then uh the case will proceed from there. You'll have to get an attorney and and just follow whatever advice that they give you, okay? Um but that's kind of where we're at today. Um so, I will get my part of it done as quickly as I can so that this process will go as quickly as possible for you. Um and and we'll go from there, okay? If you have any questions along the way, I'll do my best to answer them. Um and I can answer pretty much anything outside of an answer that would be construed as legal advice, okay? >> You said I didn't know those guys, right? >> What happened? >> I hit them. Yeah. Well, my truck was never on the like on that in My truck was in the middle lane. >> Well, state police took the uh >> You got pictures, right? >> Well, state police is doing the accident investigation. >> My truck was never on the like in the hazard lights, like in the I don't know what that lane is called, the one that like you pull pull over to to whatever change your tire or whatever. >> The shoulder? >> Yeah, in the shoulder. My my truck was not in the right >> Well, that's where your truck was when I got out to you. >> Really? >> Yeah. >> Was my truck there? >> Yeah. >> You got pictures, right? >> It's on camera. >> Okay. >> In the end, Ray was charged with homicide by vehicle, great bodily harm by vehicle, and DWI.