Derek Grey split his Ford Mustang in half after driving at speeds reaching 153 mph on Arizona roads, launching the vehicle airborne and into palm trees, killing two people who were ejected from the car, according to court records.
The 35-year-old Tempe man has pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter in connection with the deaths of Jesse Ruiz, 32, and Maria Rangel, 31. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 25, 2023, when Grey was racing another vehicle through the streets.
Background
According to a criminal complaint obtained by Fox affiliate KSAZ, law enforcement officers spotted Grey's Mustang traveling at more than 100 mph and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Instead of pulling over, Grey continued fleeing from police. "Shortly after the Ford Mustang fled from police, a cloud of smoke was seen rising into the air," the complaint stated.
When authorities caught up to the scene, they discovered the Mustang had been torn apart by the violent impact. Both Ruiz and Rangel were ejected from the vehicle during the crash. Rangel was found approximately 80 feet away from the wreckage. She was transported to a hospital where she later died of her injuries. Ruiz succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The investigation determined that Grey lost control while traveling upward of 153 mph, causing the car to leave the roadway and become airborne for a brief period before crashing into a power pole and two palm trees.
The Investigation
Grey sustained several injuries in the crash, including a black eye. Investigators say he "repeatedly made spontaneous statements indicating he should not have been driving, and that he had been drinking alcohol," according to the complaint. Grey told police he had been at a bar with friends prior to the collision.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office filed two counts of manslaughter against Grey. He pleaded guilty to both charges, avoiding trial by admitting responsibility for the deaths of Ruiz and Rangel.
"She was happy. She was a beautiful soul, and a beautiful person," Max Aguino, Rangel's brother, told ABC affiliate KNXV. "She and Jesse had been dating for about a year."
Key Takeaways
- Derek Grey, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter in Maricopa County Superior Court
- The crash occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 25, 2023, in Tempe, Arizona
- Grey was traveling an estimated 153 mph when he lost control and crashed into palm trees
- Both victims, Jesse Ruiz, 32, and Maria Rangel, 31, were ejected from the vehicle; Rangel was found 80 feet away
- Grey allegedly admitted to police that he had been drinking prior to the crash
- Police attempted to stop Grey's Mustang before the crash but he fled
What's Next
Grey is scheduled to appear before a judge for sentencing on September 23. As part of his guilty plea, both sides have agreed to specific sentencing terms, though those details were not disclosed in court filings. The case remains pending until formal sentencing occurs.
The investigation was conducted by the Tempe Police Department with assistance from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.