A Southwest Washington man is facing several charges stemming from an accident that killed two young women in Capital Heights. Authorities claim that the man’s alleged earlier actions caused the situation that led to the women’s deaths, as well as the other criminal charges he is currently facing.
On Dec. 7, the 18-year-old man was allegedly driving on Shady Glen Avenue at a high rate of speed. As he entered the intersection of Central Avenue, he slammed into a van with six passengers. Two of the passengers, the 23-year-old driver and a 21-year-old female passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. The four other passengers were taken to a local hospital. All four are listed in stable condition.
Allegedly, the man was fleeing police when the collision occurred. Officers were responding to reports of gun shots and attempted to pull the man over as his vehicle was leaving the general location of where the gunshots were heard. Instead, the man took off. Patrol attempted to pursue the man, but the man pulled away from them. He allegedly turned off his headlights just before the collision in the intersection. Authorities allege that the car the man was driving was a stolen vehicle.
After the collision, the man allegedly fled the scene on foot. He was found later attempting to hide. He was arrested and charged with negligent manslaughter, theft, traffic charges and vehicular manslaughter.
This man is facing very serious charges that, if the case of a conviction, could lead to a lengthy jail sentence. It would be in his best interests to speak with a legal professional well-versed in criminal defense. Such an individual could prove invaluable, from assistance in understanding the charges and possible outcomes of a conviction to building as strong and vigorous a defense as possible.
Source:
WUSA 9, “Ronald Jerome Hayes Jr. arrested in Capitol Heights crash that killed Brittney Everett and Brittney Queen” Greg Cohen, Dec. 09, 2013
