A 19-year-old Nevada man is facing murder charges after prosecutors say he deliberately drove into stopped traffic at 100 mph, killing his pregnant girlfriend and another motorist in a devastating 12-car collision.

According to the New York Post, Jose Gutierrez was driving more than twice the speed limit through a Las Vegas neighborhood when he crashed into vehicles waiting at a red light on November 18. Clarke County District Attorney Steve Wolfson revealed that evidence, including detailed video footage, demonstrated the collision was intentional rather than accidental.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Cheyenne Avenue and North Jones Boulevard in northern Las Vegas, where Gutierrez was traveling at 100 mph in a zone with a 45 mph speed limit. His passenger, 20-year-old Adilene Duran Rincon, who was pregnant, died at the scene alongside 38-year-old driver Edward Garcia, while a third victim sustained life-threatening injuries.

Evidence Points to Deliberate Actions

District Attorney Wolfson emphasized that the case against Gutierrez extends beyond typical reckless driving due to compelling evidence of intent. Investigators determined that Gutierrez made no attempt to brake before slamming his silver 2011 Infiniti G37 into the line of stopped vehicles. The absence of any braking effort, combined with video evidence, led prosecutors to conclude the crash was deliberate.

Despite police finding a marijuana vape in Gutierrez's possession and noting he had bloodshot eyes during his arrest, toxicology results showed he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision. This revelation proved crucial in the district attorney's decision to pursue more serious charges. The fact that Gutierrez was completely sober when he allegedly chose to plow into traffic at extreme speed strengthened the prosecution's argument for intentionality.

Wolfson told reporters that the totality of evidence, particularly what he described as "very descriptive video," supports the determination that Gutierrez's actions were intentional. This evidence forms the basis for charging him with murder rather than vehicular manslaughter or reckless driving. The video documentation is expected to be a cornerstone of the prosecution's case as legal proceedings continue.

Charges Upgraded From Reckless Driving

Based on the evidence gathered, prosecutors upgraded the charges against Gutierrez from reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily harm to far more serious offenses. He now faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and battery with the use of a deadly weapon. The upgraded charges reflect the prosecution's belief that Gutierrez deliberately caused the deaths and injuries that resulted from the high-speed crash.

The vehicle Gutierrez was driving on the day of the fatal collision was registered to Rincon's mother, adding another tragic dimension to the case. Officials noted this detail as part of their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The fact that he was driving his deceased girlfriend's mother's vehicle when he allegedly killed her daughter underscores the personal tragedy of the incident.

Gutierrez is currently being held without bail as he awaits further court proceedings. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for January 6, where he will formally respond to the murder charges. The denial of bail reflects the severity of the charges and the court's assessment of potential flight risk or danger to the community.

Pattern of Reckless Behavior Emerges

Court records reveal that the November 18 crash was not Gutierrez's first driving incident, painting a picture of escalating reckless behavior. Just two months earlier in September, he crashed into an elderly woman after running a stop sign. Additionally, he received a speeding ticket in October after being caught driving 52 mph in a 35 mph zone.

Gutierrez's criminal history extends beyond traffic violations to include violent threats against law enforcement. In April, police arrested him for allegedly intimidating a public officer who was responding to a domestic dispute call. When the officer arrived at the scene, Gutierrez reportedly made death threats, telling the officer, "I'll f—king shoot you," and "I'll kill you."

The pattern of increasingly dangerous behavior documented in court records may factor into the prosecution's case and potential sentencing if Gutierrez is convicted. His history of traffic violations, previous crashes, and violent threats demonstrates a disregard for public safety and the law. These prior incidents could be used to establish a pattern of reckless conduct that culminated in the deadly November crash.

Lessons to Learn

Crimes like this are tragic and complex, but there are lessons to consider when reflecting on the events surrounding such a case. While crime can happen to anyone, and victims should never be blamed, education can empower communities to be more vigilant.

1. High-risk driving behavior should not be ignored. Gutierrez had a documented history of reckless driving before the fatal crash. Reporting dangerous drivers and advocating for more robust consequences after repeated offenses may help prevent future tragedies.

2. Pay attention to warning signs of violent behavior. The suspect had expressed violent threats toward police in a previous arrest. Recognizing patterns of aggression, particularly when combined with reckless behavior, is critical for law enforcement intervention before escalation.

3. Understand vehicle access responsibility. The car Gutierrez drove belonged to his girlfriend’s mother. Ensuring that those who use personal vehicles are responsible and safe drivers can be an important safety step for families.

Why This Story Matters

This incident highlights the devastating impact of reckless and intentional acts on innocent lives. It underscores gaps in the system when individuals with a known history of dangerous conduct continue to endanger others on the road. Understanding the circumstances surrounding this tragedy offers communities insight into the importance of public safety, mental health assessment, and accountability for violent behavior before it escalates into irreversible violence. Moreover, stories like this serve as a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be lost — and the importance of prevention, education, and justice.

Conclusion

On Nov. 18, a total of 12 vehicles were involved in a fiery crash in northern Las Vegas, allegedly caused by 19-year-old Jose Gutierrez, who prosecutors say drove into stopped traffic at 100 mph with no attempt to slow down. The crash killed his 20-year-old pregnant girlfriend, Adilene Duran Rincon, and another driver, Edward Garcia, 38; one other person was critically injured. With a record of traffic offenses and a prior arrest for threatening police, Gutierrez now faces murder and attempted murder charges in a case that continues to send shockwaves through the community as investigators work toward justice for the victims.