Driver in fatal wreck jailed, ID questioned
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By Thomasi McDonald, Staff Writer
RALEIGH - Wake District Court Judge Shelley Desvousges refused to lower bail this afternoon for a man charged with driving a stolen sport utility vehicle that crossed the median of Interstate 40 on Monday and killed the driver of another car.
Assistant District Attorney Susan Spurlin told Desvousges that the man, who identified himself to state troopers as Michael Caldera De Latorre, posed a considerable flight risk because police have not verified his identity. Spurlin also told the judge that other felony charges are likely to be filed against the man.
De Latorre, 24, is being held in the Wake County jail in lieu of $1.2 million bond on charges of driving while impaired, felony death by motor vehicle and two felony counts of serious injury by motor vehicle.
The state Highway Patrol said De Latorre was traveling east on I-40 in the Tahoe shortly after 7 a.m. near Wade Avenue when he crossed the median and struck a 2006 Kia Optima head-on. The Kia's driver, George Smith, 54, of Cary was killed.
The SUV also struck a 2001 Ford Mustang driven by Carolyn Hageman of Apex, who had minor injuries.
The state Highway Patrol learned this morning that the Tahoe had been reported stolen.
"We found out about 30 minutes ago," 1st Sgt. Steve Greene, a Highway Patrol spokesman, said at noon.
Paperwork in the vehicle listed De Latorre's address as 1919 Pine Bough St., Concord. In a news release, Greene noted that federal authorities are assisting troopers regarding the identity of De Latorre and that of a passenger, who identified himself as Roberto Castaneda, 18, of China Grove.
Investigators are also hoping fingerprints will provide more information that could help verify De Latorre's identity.
De Latorre does not speak English, so Desvousges asked him through an interpreter whether his name was Michael De Latorre during the court appearance today.
"Si," he answered, using the Spanish word for "Yes."
Desvousges appointed a public defender to represent De Latorre after he told the judge he needed to talk with his family to find out whether he could afford to hire a private attorney.
Desvousges scheduled De Latorre's next court appearance for June 26 at 2 p.m.
The driver identified himself to troopers as Michael Caldera De Latorre, 24, Greene said. Paperwork in the vehicle listed his address as 1919 Pine Bough St., Concord.
De Latorre is being held in the Wake County jail in lieu of $1.2 million bond.
A news release issued by the patrol today indicated some doubt about whether De Latorre is his actual name.
In the news release, Greene noted that federal authorities are assisting troopers regarding the driver's name and that of a passenger, who identified himself as Roberto Castaneda, 18, of China Grove. A magistrate said that De Latorre must provide proof of his identity before he can post bond, Greene said.
Investigators are also hoping fingerprints willl provide more information that could help verify his identitiy.
De Latorre was traveling east on I-40 in the Tahoe shortly after 7 a.m., just east of the 289 mile marker, when he crossed the median and struck a 2006 Kia Optima head-on, Greene said. The Kia's driver, George Smith, 54, of Cary was killed.
The SUV also struck a 2001 Ford Mustang driven by Carolyn Hageman of Apex, who had minor injuries.
In addition to DWI and death by vehicle, De Latorre was charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, no operator's license and careless and reckless driving.
He was scheduled to appear in court today at 2 p.m., a jail spokesman said.
Staff writer Thomasi McDonald can be reached at (919) 829-4533 or thomasi.mcdonald@newsobserver.com