Manslaughter Charge in Fatal Crash
A Miami woman connected to an April DUI traffic fatality has surrendered herself to authorities in order to face the charge of DUI manslaughter and other related charges.
According to the Miami Police Department, a warrant was issued for the arrest of, Jessica Araujo, 25. Araujo surrendered herself to the Turner Gilford Knight Correctional Center on Wednesday morning to face the charges against her.
Araujo is charged with vehicular homicide, DUI causing serious bodily injury, reckless driving and cocaine possession in addition to the DUI manslaughter charge. She is currently being held on $80,000 bond.
Police reports indicate that Araujo was allegedly behind the wheel of a Hyundai the night of April 21st and was driving southbound on Southwest 127th Avenue at a high rate of speed. Araujo ran a red light and crashed into a Toyota Prius that was being driven by 48-year-old Naji El-Kadi.
Emergency crews airlifted El-Kadi to Kendall Regional Trauma Center, where he later died as the result of injuries he sustained in the accident.
Police say that Araujo along with the driver of a second vehicle that was struck after the first collision were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Tests indicate that following the accident, Araujo had a blood alcohol level that was close to three times the legal limit.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) statistics show that almost every 90 seconds, somebody is injured in a DUI-related car accident. This makes one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents in the United States.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by a drunk driver, you have our deepest condolences. After such a devastating event, having an attorney who will fight by your sides and for your rights is imperative.
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