LAS VEGAS (Scripps News Las Vegas) — Prosecutors revealed they’re considering the death penalty in the case against a teen accused of intentionally driving into a line of stopped cars, killing three people, including a pregnant woman.
Jose Gutierrez appears in court during a hearing on Dec. 17, 2025. (Court TV)
Jose Gutierrez, 19, appeared before a judge on Wednesday morning in connection with the 12-car crash that has left three people dead. Gutierrez faces 10 felony charges, including open murder, after officials say he intentionally sped nearly 100 mph into a line of cars on Nov. 18.
The crash initially killed 38-year-old Edward Garcia and 20-year-old Adilene Duran-Rincon, Gutierrez’s girlfriend and passenger. Duran-Rincon was pregnant, according to her family.
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In court on Wednesday, it was revealed that his case will go before the death penalty review committee, the internal panel that evaluates whether a homicide case qualifies for capital punishment under Nevada law.
Gutierrez’s defense has claimed the defendant experienced a seizure just before the crash.
Gutierrez is expected to return to court on Jan. 6 at 8:30 a.m. for his arraignment.
This story was originally published by Scripps News Las Vegas, an E.W. Scripps Company.
