by Las Vegas, Nevada — A 19‑year‑old Nevada driver, identified as Jose Gutierrez, is facing upgraded murder charges after authorities say he intentionally caused a massive 12‑car collision while speeding at nearly 100 mph in a 45 mph zone. The violent crash, which happened on Tuesday at the intersection of West Cheyenne Avenue and North Jones Boulevard in Las Vegas, killed his 20‑year‑old pregnant girlfriend, Adilene Rincon, and 38‑year‑old driver Edward Garcia.
Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson told reporters on Friday that Gutierrez showed no signs of impairment, and that evidence — including a detailed video — suggests the crash was deliberate.
Wolfson explained, “All indications are that there was no braking before impact, and that alone demonstrates a level of intentional conduct leading to a charge of murder.”
Court Appearance and Delayed Bail Hearing
Gutierrez appeared briefly in court on Friday, where a judge postponed his bail hearing, according to the Las Vegas Review‑Journal. The teen remains jailed as prosecutors pursue upgraded charges including:
- Open Murder
- Attempted Murder
- Battery With Use of a Deadly Weapon
- Reckless Driving Resulting in Death or Substantial Bodily Harm (initial charges)
Investigators say Gutierrez was driving a silver 2011 Infiniti G37 with Rincon in the passenger seat when he plowed into vehicles stopped at a red light. Garcia, who was struck in the crash, died at the scene.
Multiple Injuries Reported
The Las Vegas Metro Police Department reported that several victims were rushed to UMC Trauma, with one person in life‑threatening condition and another in serious condition following the chain‑reaction crash.
A marijuana vape was found in Gutierrez’s pocket afterward, but officers confirmed he was not impaired at the time.
A Troubling Pattern of Past Incidents
Newly uncovered court records from KTNV indicate Gutierrez’s reckless behavior wasn’t new:
- In October, he was cited for speeding 52 mph in a 35 mph zone.
- In April, he was arrested for intimidating a police officer who responded to a report involving a woman claiming Gutierrez had hit her.
According to the incident report, Gutierrez allegedly approached an officer and said:
“What’s up, foo? I’ll f—ing shoot you. I’ll kill you.”
Those past encounters are expected to factor into the case as prosecutors argue his driving was part of an escalating pattern of dangerous behavior.
Next Court Date
Gutierrez is scheduled to return to court for his arraignment on January 6.
This case has sparked intense debate in Nevada — about reckless driving, accountability, and whether such crashes should be treated as intentional acts. Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
