"After passenger's body turns up in lake, driver charged
BY GABE STAROSTA - Staff Writer
Published: Wed, Jul. 15, 2009 02:00AMModified Wed, Jul. 15, 2009

The driver of a car that ended up in Bunn Lake early Sunday faces criminal charges after a passenger in the car was found floating in the lake Monday.

Emiliano Luna-Islas, 25, was charged with felony hit and run, misdemeanor death by vehicle and careless and reckless driving for his role in an accident that took place about 2:30 a.m. Sunday.

Luna-Islas was driving a 1996 Chrysler sedan west on Hagwood Road when he reached the intersection of N.C. 39 and went through a stop sign, said state Highway Patrol Trooper T.W. Allen. Luna-Islas then hit an embankment and lost control of the car, which plunged into Bunn Lake.

The lone passenger in the vehicle, Zebulon resident Jesus Celen Rios-Salvador, 30, was killed in the crash, and his body was discovered by troopers Monday along with the car. It was unclear whether Rios-Salvador was thrown from the car or his body floated to the surface later.

Luna-Islas fled after the accident but apparently returned Monday to observe as police investigated. A relative of Rios-Salvador identified Luna-Islas watching the proceedings, and Luna-Islas was arrested. Early reports incorrectly identified the driver as Rafael Abila, but Highway Patrol Capt. Everett Clendenin confirmed that Luna-Islas was the driver.

Luna-Islas has no previous criminal record, which might keep him out of prison. Felony hit and run can carry a sentence of four to eight years, while the other two charges are likely to result in suspended jail sentences, probation or fines because of Luna-Islas' lack of prior convictions.

gabe.starosta@newsobserver.com or 919-829-4520"

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1607727.html


The signs are there that the suspect and victim are possibly illegal aliens. However, posted the article in the "Other Topics" forum because no evidence to substantiate my suspicions are in the article.