Current:Home > BackNo criminal charges in Tacoma, Washington, crash that killed 6 Arizonans-LoTradeCoin
No criminal charges in Tacoma, Washington, crash that killed 6 Arizonans
View Date:2024-12-23 16:21:34
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — No one will face criminal charges following a two-car crash in Tacoma, Washington, that killed six Arizona residents in July, according to Pierce County prosecutors.
A three-month Washington State Patrol investigation into the July 15 crash at the intersection of state Route 509 and Alexander Avenue determined the Arizona residents’ vehicle ran a red light when the crash occurred, the Tacoma News Tribune reported Thursday.
The crash happened about 11 a.m., when a Kia Forte sedan holding seven people drove through the intersection and was hit by an eastbound driver in a BMW SUV, according to charging decision documents. The Kia hit a curb, rolled 70 feet (21 meters) and caught fire.
Five of the Kia’s occupants were declared dead at the scene, and a sixth died later at St. Joseph Medical Center. A seventh occupant — a Phoenix man — survived with serious injuries but had no memory of the crash. The group had traveled to Tacoma to attend an Amway convention, family members told the News Tribune.
Those who died were Felix Y Begay, 25, of Kayenta, Arizona; Cerra Corner, 19, of Phoenix; Lisa Esparza, 19, of Phoenix; Javan Runnels, 22, of Phoenix; Calsie Sockyma, 25, of Tuba City, Arizona and Erick Tsosie, 25, of Kayenta, Arizona.
Five of the victims — Corner, Begay, Runnels, Sockyma and Tsosie — were in the backseat of the Kia not wearing seatbelts. Esparza was driving, and the Phoenix man who survived was in the front passenger’s seat.
The driver and passenger in the BMW — a 42-year-old Tacoma man and his 40-year-old wife — were uninjured.
There was insufficient evidence to prove the BMW driver acted with disregard for the safety of others, according to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elizabeth Dasse. The incident was not vehicular homicide or vehicular assault, she said.
veryGood! (749)
Related
- Moana 2 Star Dwayne Johnson Shares the Empowering Message Film Sends to Young Girls
- Male nanny convicted in California of sexually assaulting 16 young boys in his care
- Study finds more people are moving into high flood zones, increasing risk of water disasters
- Looking for innovative climate solutions? Check out these 8 podcasts
- Mother of Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym Details His Final Moments
- SFA fires soccer coach, who faced previous allegations of emotional abuse, after dismal start
- Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina is the leader of the House, at least for now
- Unless US women fall apart in world gymnastics finals (not likely), expect another title
- Dozens indicted over NYC gang warfare that led to the deaths of four bystanders
- Jets-Broncos beef explained: How Sean Payton's preseason comments ignited latest NFL feud
Ranking
- Jimmy Kimmel, more late-night hosts 'shocked' by Trump Cabinet picks: 'Goblins and weirdos'
- For 100th anniversary, Disney's most famed characters will be commemorated on Vans shoes
- Mega Millions heats up to an estimated $315 million. See winning numbers for Oct. 3
- Man intentionally crashed into NJ police station while blaring Guns N' Roses, police say
- Congress heard more testimony about UFOs: Here are the biggest revelations
- Indian police arrest editor, administrator of independent news site after conducting raids
- Saudi Arabia says it will maintain production cuts that have helped drive oil prices up
- The world's oldest mummies are decomposing after 7,000 years. Here's why.
Recommendation
-
Gavin Rossdale Makes Rare Public Appearance With Girlfriend Xhoana Xheneti
-
Firefighters work until dawn to remove wreckage of bus carrying tourists in Venice; 21 dead
-
Lady Gaga Will Not Have to Pay $500,000 to Woman Charged in Dog Theft
-
Baltimore police: 'Multiple victims' from active shooter situation near Morgan State
-
Amazon Black Friday 2024 sales event will start Nov. 21: See some of the deals
-
Canada’s House of Commons elects first Black speaker
-
'Mighty Oregon' throwback football uniforms are head-turning: See the retro look
-
The Hollywood writers strike is over. What's next for the writers?