Two women allegedly racing at speeds exceeding 130 mph on Interstate 85 near Charlotte, North Carolina, struck and killed a teenage motorcyclist who was driving the legal speed limit, authorities said.
Background
Julia Henderson, 22, and Estrella Gutierrez-Perez, 21, were traveling southbound on I-85 around 7:30 p.m. July 25 when they began racing each other at extremely high speeds, according to probable cause arrest affidavits from North Carolina Highway Patrol.
Henderson was operating an Audi that reached approximately 132 mph, while Gutierrez-Perez was behind the wheel of a Mercedes traveling upward of 120 mph in the same lane of traffic, troopers alleged. The posted speed limit on that stretch of interstate is 60 mph.
Their vehicles collided with Alex Jaden Rodriguez, 17, who was riding a motorcycle. The impact ejected Rodriguez from his bike and pinned his motorcycle under Henderson's Audi, according to investigators. Gutierrez-Perez's Mercedes overturned onto its roof during the crash.
A fourth vehicle was also involved in the collision, and its driver sustained minor injuries, authorities said. Troopers determined Rodriguez was traveling at or below the speed limit when he was struck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Charges
Both women were arrested and charged with second-degree murder and spontaneous speed competition in connection with Rodriguez's death, according to jail records and charging documents.
Henderson was taken into custody on Thursday and is being held at the Mecklenburg County Jail without bond. Gutierrez-Perez was arrested Sunday evening and is detained at the Alamance County Jail without bond. Court dates had not been finalized at the time of reporting.
Key Takeaways
- Alex Jaden Rodriguez, 17, graduated from high school a year early and was studying mechanics at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
- The women allegedly reached speeds of 132 mph and 120+ mph while racing on I-85, more than double the 60 mph speed limit
- Both suspects are charged with second-degree murder and spontaneous speed competition
- Rodriguez was traveling at or below the legal speed limit when he was struck by the alleged racers
What's Next
Henderson and Gutierrez-Perez are awaiting their initial court appearances. Additional details regarding upcoming hearings were not immediately available as of press time. The investigation remains ongoing with the North Carolina Highway Patrol serving as the lead agency.
Rodriguez's family described him in his obituary as a dedicated student passionate about mechanics who aspired to become a light duty diesel mechanic.