Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin announced that today Hector Diaz (age 21), of Providence, pleaded guilty to all counts from the March 28, 2015 motor vehicle crash that killed 23-year-old Anthony Nunez and injured Jennifer and Jasleen Gomez.
Diaz pleaded guilty to DUI death resulting, driving to endanger death resulting, and two counts of driving to endanger resulting in physical injury. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Superior Court Justice Kristin E. Rodgers sentenced Diaz to a total of 15 years with seven years to serve and the remainder suspended with probation. In addition, Judge Rodgers suspended his license for five years upon the completion of his seven year prison term, ordered the defendant to install an ignition interlock for two years upon reinstatement of his license, undergo substance abuse counseling, and pay a $5,000 fine.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that in the early morning hours of March 28, 2015, Hector Diaz was driving his motor vehicle northbound on Route 95 in the area just south of the Point Street overpass in Providence when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a light pole on the embankment.
Anthony Nunez was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. Two other passengers, Jennifer and Jasleen Gomez, sustained non life-threatening injuries.
Pursuant to a search warrant, the defendant's blood was drawn and revealed a BAC four hours after the crash was .113 and positive for delta-THC, the active ingredient of marijuana.
"After drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana at a house party just hours before, the defendant got behind the wheel motor vehicle drunk and high causing the death of his friend Anthony Nunez," said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin. "A reckless decision by a young person has caused such pain and sorrow for so many people, but especially for Anthony's family, who continue to struggle with their loss of their beloved son and brother. I hope others will look at this tragedy and will make a decision to never drive drunk or impaired."
Rhode Island State Police Captain John Allen, Sergeant Jeff L'Heureux, and Trooper Franklin Navarro led the investigation, and Assistant Attorney General Stephen Regine prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of Attorney General.