2 charges pending for man in Gilbert teen's crash death

by Astrid Galvan - Nov. 20, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

The suspected drunken driver involved in a collision that killed 16-year-old Kelly Tracy faces manslaughter and aggravated-assault felony charges.

Manuel Contreras-Galdean, 32, is being held without bond.

He faces one count of manslaughter, a Class 2 dangerous felony, and one count of aggravated assault, a Class 3 felony, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced Tuesday.

Contreras-Galdean, who is in the country illegally, had been arrested four times before, including twice for DUI.

He is believed to have been under the influence of alcohol when his vehicle struck the car Kelly and her brother, Matthew, were in on Saturday.

The Gilbert teens, both members of the Highland High School marching band, were on Guadalupe Road near Sossaman Road and on their way to meet peers for a performance at the Gilbert Days Parade.

Matthew Kelly suffered a fractured rib and was released from a hospital that same day. Kelly died of serious head trauma at a hospital.

Funeral services for Kelly will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the City of Grace Church, 655 E. University Drive, Mesa.

A memorial fund has been set up through Washington Mutual to pay for funeral costs.

Reach the reporter at astrid .galvan@arizonarepublic.com.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepubli ... t1120.html

Background story:
http://www.alipac.us/article-3737--0-0.html