Student from China pleads not guilty in vehicular homicide

KENT, Wash. — A student from China who's accused in a fatal crash pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide and assault charges Thursday morning.

Yichun Xu is accused of speeding through a stop sign last month in Des Moines and ramming another car.

The other driver, Brenda Gomez, later died of brain injuries sustained in the crash.  Three passengers in Gomez' car were injured.

Because Xu is from China,  his bail was set at $2 million because of fears that he'd flee the country if he was released.

Xu is charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and reckless endangerment.   He was not licensed to drive in the U.S.

Family members of the 25-year-old Gomez were watching during the hearing at the Kent Regional Justice Center as Xu appeared to be emotionless.

None of Xu’s family members were present at the hearing.

Xu came to the area to attend school.

KIRO