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Drunk Driver Sentenced After Fatal Crash in Las Vegas
A Las Vegas man will serve a prison sentence of four to twelve years following a fatal collision caused by his impaired driving, which involved speeds of up to 140 mph. The sentencing was delivered by a Clark County District Court judge on Thursday.
On March 22, 2024, Charlie Hernandez drove his Dodge Challenger at high speed on Las Vegas Boulevard, striking a Hyundai Accent that was making a turn. The impact was catastrophic, resulting in the Hyundai being torn asunder and the Challenger overturning, according to law enforcement reports.
Luciano Chavez, 38, who was driving the Hyundai, tragically lost his life, and a passenger in his vehicle sustained severe injuries. Police indicated the power of the collision was significant.
Data retrieved from the Challenger’s onboard computer revealed that Hernandez was accelerating to full throttle seconds before the crash. At the moment just before impact, his vehicle was still traveling at an alarming 127 mph.
A marshal handcuffs Charlie Hernandez after Clark County District Court Judge Bita Yeager sentenced him to 4-12 years in prison. (KLAS)
Following the incident, Metro police expressed urgent concern on social media, calling for a cessation of reckless behavior that endangers lives. “We MUST do better, Clark County! Families are suffering due to reckless choices! It’s time to put an END to this tragedy!” they stated.
Hernandez previously accepted a plea deal pertaining to a charge of DUI resulting in death, which restricted prosecutors from advocating for a specific sentence. Under Nevada law, individuals convicted of DUI leading to a fatality face a minimum of two years in prison, with a maximum term of 20 years available for sentencing. Furthermore, those convicted can only be considered for parole after serving eight years at a minimum.
Legislation passed in 2023, known as Rex’s Law, enacted stricter penalties for individuals whose reckless driving, defined by exceeding the speed limit by over 50 mph in a fatal incident, could result in up to ten years of imprisonment, an increase from the previous six-year maximum.
During the court proceedings, Judge Yeager emphasized the severity of the offense, noting that the 140 mph speed was particularly concerning compared to other DUI cases she oversees. She explained that the minimum sentencing guidelines did not reflect the gravity of Hernandez’s actions.
Before the judge’s decision, Hernandez expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I messed up. I wish I could take every back, but I know I can’t.” He claimed to have believed he was the least impaired among a group of friends following a party, admitting he made a reckless choice.
Luciano Chavez died in the crash on March 22, 2024. Chavez came to the United States from Guatemala and was working as a chef, his family said. (Angelica Chavez)
Hernandez was a new father and had no prior criminal record, according to statements made by him and his attorney in court.
Chavez had immigrated from Guatemala to the United States and was pursuing a career as a chef. At the hearing, his family shared their grief, and his brothers communicated their sorrow through a translator.
“He was driving 140 miles per hour, which is unacceptable,” said Geronimo Chavez, highlighting the broader issues of road safety. “I also drive but not even on the freeway would I go at that speed.”
Cesar Chavez poignantly expressed the profound impact of losing his brother, stating, “When a son loses a wife, he becomes a widower. When a son loses a parent, he becomes an orphan. But there’s no name for this type of death.”
The crash was so violent, it split Luciano Chavez’s car in half. (KLAS)
Chavez’s niece, Angelica Chavez, underscored the necessity for justice in such situations, stating, “We always try to look to the future and when it’s completely cut short from the actions of someone else, truly I feel like there should be justice.”
After detailing the circumstances leading to the decision, Judge Yeager concluded by making it clear that the gravity of the situation warranted the sentence imposed. Hernandez will be eligible for parole in 2029, with his family visibly emotional during the proceedings.
8 News Now Investigator David Charns can be reached at dcharns@8newsnow.com.
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