Man Charged In Fatal Crash Is Illegal Alien - another one
POSTED: 10:49 am EST August 17, 2005
UPDATED: 8:10 pm EST August 17, 2005
http://www.theindychannel.com/news/4...s=ind&psp=news
INDIANAPOLIS -- The man accused of driving drunk and killing two people leaving a wedding at the Indianapolis Zoo early Sunday returned to the courtroom Wednesday morning.
Rosalio Pedraza, 31, is a two-time convicted drunken driver. He's also an illegal alien.
Pedraza's bond was raised to $150,000. Prosecutors asked for the higher bond because they believe he's a flight risk.
Pedraza is charged with two counts of reckless homicide, two counts of driving under the influence, causing death with a prior and one count of driving drunk, causing serious bodily injury.
If convicted, Pedraza faces a maximum of 48 years in prison and possible deportation at the conclusion of that sentence.
Joesph Gehler, a friend of the family, and Thomas Youngstafel, the father of the groom, died in the crash.
"Tom was a loving person. His family and extended family always came first," Carl Youngstafel, the victim's brother, said. "Our families are blessed with a strong support system and a deep sense of faith, which will help us in the days to come to deal with our tragic loss."
Family members of the victims were in court in large numbers.
They urged the public to support groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving and to press the legislature to increase penalties for repeat drunken drivers.
