A man now faces manslaughter charge after a tragic car crash claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl and left three others seriously injured.
Tragic Collision in Burke Leads to Manslaughter Charge Against Driver
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The suspect with the manslaughter charge, identified as 42-year-old Jose Angel Zelaya, was allegedly driving at nearly double the speed limit on Burke Center Parkway when he collided with another car carrying the teenagers on the evening of July 18, according to authorities from the Fairfax County Police Department. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene of bystanders desperately attempting to rescue the teenagers from the burning car before firefighters arrived, explaining the manslaughter charge. Despite their valiant efforts, the young girl succumbed to her injuries. Her family revealed she had recently graduated from James W Robinson, Jr. Secondary School. Among the injured is her 16-year-old brother, who remains hospitalized, along with the two other seriously injured teenagers.
Manslaughter Charge Filed After Crash Claims Teen Girl’s Life and Injures Three
Suspect Charged With Manslaughter in Teen’s Death (PHOTO: Clark Van Der Beken)
Zelaya, the driver with manslaughter charge and responsible for the tragic accident, was also injured in the crash and is currently under police custody, facing the severe charge of involuntary manslaughter. The authorities are thoroughly investigating the circumstances leading up to the incident to determine whether other factors, such as intoxication or reckless driving, contributed to the fatal outcome and manslaughter charge. The tight-knit community of Burke is left mourning the loss of a promising young life and praying for the recovery of those injured. The manslaughter charge case has drawn significant attention, raising questions about road safety and the consequences of irresponsible driving. As the legal proceedings for the manslaughter charge unfold, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that such a heartbreaking incident will serve as a reminder for all drivers to exercise caution and responsibility on the roads.
