LAS VEGAS (AP) - A Las Vegas woman told a judge Wednesday she’ll plead guilty to second-degree murder and driving under the influence of marijuana, causing a high-speed crash that killed an 8-year-old boy and badly injured his parents less than a month ago.
Aylin Alderette sobbed in court while her lawyer, Warren Geller, outlined terms of a plea deal that could get Alderette more than 10 years in state prison. Alderette, 25, also uses the name Alvarez-Perez.
Justice of the Peace Suzan Baucum scheduled a Friday hearing in state court for Alderette’s plea, which prosecutor Eric Bauman said may mark the first time that a driver has been convicted in Nevada of second-degree murder, meaning the motorist’s actions were outrageously reckless but not intentional.
A similar charge is pending against a man accused of causing fatal crash in May 2017 in Las Vegas while driving 125 mph (201 kph) and under the influence of marijuana. He has pleaded not guilty and is undergoing mental health examinations at a state facility to determine if he is fit to assist in his criminal defense.
Alderette told police she was late for work, and vehicle computer records showed she was driving 103 mph (166 kph) in a 45 mph (72 kph) area before the Aug. 31 crash that killed Levi Echenique and injured his parents, Briejet and Jose Echenique.
Bauman said Alderette had nearly five times the legal limit of marijuana in her system after the crash.
Witnesses told police Alderette’s Chevrolet Camaro sped through several stop lights before the three-car wreck that also hurt Janis Martin, 68, and Ricky Martin, 42, in another vehicle.
Outside court, family members Amanda and Javier Echenique said they didn’t believe Alderette understood the effect the crash had on their family, but said they were glad her plea will avoid years of trial.
They said Jose and Briejet Echenique are undergoing physical treatment at home with hopes of regaining their ability to walk.
Geller said Alderette, who remained jailed, prays for the boy and his family.
“She knows whatever happens to her is nothing compared to what happened to the family,” the defense attorney said.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.