Gadsden High School student killed in Sunday crash in Vado; suspect released
By Amari Saxton
Click here for updates on this story
VADO, N.M. (KOAT) — A 15-year-old student at Gadsden High School was one of two victims in a fatal car crash that occurred in Vado, New Mexico on Sunday. A third victim is receiving treatment at a local hospital.
A spokesperson for Gadsden Independent School District confirmed to KOAT that a ninth-grade student was involved in the fatal crash. A 12-year-old child was also killed in the crash.
According to a spokesperson with New Mexico State Police said officers responded to a serious vehicle crash near 8100 NM-478 Sunday around 6:50 pm. Police state that a vehicle struck a light pole and came to rest in the front yard of a residence.
An investigation by state police found a seat belt only appeared to be used properly by the one surviving passenger. Court records state an open 40-ounce bottle of beer was found inside the vehicle at the scene of the crash.
Christina Escobedo Arriaga was charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and two counts of intentional abuse of a child resulting in death. Court documents show those charges have since been dismissed as of Friday, Oct. 17.
Arriaga is being held at the Dona Ana County Detention Center. She was released on her own recognizance in court on Tuesday, Aug. 12.
Third Judicial District District Attorney Fernando Macias issued a statement after the release of Arriaga. Macias said a motion for detention was not filed.
“Under the New Mexico Constitution, pretrial release is the normal standard. Detention is permitted only in limited circumstances – specifically when the state can prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that no combination of release conditions can reasonably ensure public safety or the defendant’s appearance in court.
“In this case, because the defendant has no prior criminal history and the legal standard for pretrial detention could not be met at this time, a motion for detention was not filed.
“Our office will continue to move forward with prosecution as rapidly as the law allows. Our deepest condolences go out to all those affected by this tragic incident. The loss of two young lives is heartbreaking, and we remain committed to pursuing justice to the fullest extent of the law.”
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.