Teenager Charged with Intoxication Manslaughter After Fatal Crash in Lower Valley
A tragic incident unfolded early Saturday, Jan. 27, in El Paso’s Lower Valley, when 18-year-old Nathan Rudy R. crashed into a rock wall, resulting in the death of his front-seat passenger, 19-year-old Jesus Manuel Ceniceros. The teenager is now facing charges of intoxication manslaughter as a result of the fatal crash.
According to court documents, the accident took place around 2:40 a.m. at the intersection of Marne Drive and Carlotta Drive. Police report that Nathan Rudy R. was driving a 2012 Honda Civic at a high rate of speed south on Carlotta when the vehicle crashed into a rock wall, catching fire and tragically killing Ceniceros.
Witnesses identified Nathan Rudy R. as the driver of the vehicle and Ceniceros as the passenger, contradicting Nathan Rudy R.’s initial version of the events. A friend of the couple reportedly told police that they had been drinking prior to the accident, and expressed concern that Nathan Rudy R. was too intoxicated to drive. The friend stated that they followed the pair and witnessed the crash, with the car subsequently catching fire. In a harrowing turn of events, the friend attempted to perform CPR on Ceniceros, but Nathan Rudy R. allegedly ended the 911 call and needed instructions on how to administer CPR.
Nathan Rudy R. was subjected to a field sobriety check, which he reportedly failed. Furthermore, a breathalyzer test revealed results of 0.17 and 0.15, well above the legal limit. He has since been booked into the El Paso County Detention Center on $150,000 bail.
The tragic loss of Ceniceros has left behind a devastated community, with friends and family mourning the bright young life cut short. A GoFundMe has been set up by Ceniceros’ mother to cover funeral expenses, as the community comes together to support the grieving family.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol. It is a stark reality that this fatal crash marks the fifth death of the year, with speed and alcohol being cited as the main contributing factors, compared to eight deaths over the same period last year. The tragic loss of Ceniceros underscores the imperative need for responsible and safe driving practices to prevent further devastating accidents.