FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Two drivers have been charged with vehicular homicide in a crash that killed a 16-year-old student athlete who was standing on a nearby sidewalk last week.
On Oct. 23, just before 11 p.m., 29-year-old Roberto Emory was stopped at a red light while heading north on Pacific Highway S., waiting to turn left onto S. 304th St., according to court documents.
As he was turning with the flashing yellow, the documents allege another car came speeding south through the oncoming green light, going 40 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
Docs say that despite swerving to avoid the collision, the speeding car hit Emory, and then veered off to hit 16-year-old Deejay Tuiasosopo, who was standing on a sidewalk near the intersection.
According to the court documents, Tuiasosopo was thrown approximately 121 feet.
The teenager was killed on scene.
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Both drivers-- Emory and 20-year-old Luis Cortes Santos-- were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
According to court documents, Emory, the truck driver who was turning left, showed signs of impairment. Docs say investigators found empty containers of “Hurricane IPA” in his truck.
When asked for a breath sample, court documents say that Emory’s initial blood alcohol content was 0.170, which is about two times over the legal limit. Several hours later at the hospital, his BAC was reportedly about 0.124.
Detectives say Cortes Santos was driving 87.6 mph in a 45 mph zone when he and Emory collided. Cortes Santos also did not have a valid driver’s license, court documents allege.
Emory was arrested that same night after being treated at the hospital
Cortes Santos was also taken to the hospital after the crash, according to court documents, but Federal Way police told KIRO 7 that detectives needed additional forensic information before they could bring Cortes Santos’ case to prosecutors for charges.
A warrant was issued for Cortes Santos on Oct. 28, and King County prosecutors confirmed that he was arrested the morning of Oct. 29.
Emory was charged with Vehicular Homicide – Driving Under the Influence and Disregard for the Safety of Others.
Cortes Santos was charged with Vehicular Homicide – Reckless Manner and Disregard for the Safety of Others.
Both men are in custody on $200,000 bail each.
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