A 21-year-old Phoenix woman was recently arrested and is facing the charge of manslaughter and other charges connected to a fatal accident two months ago.
AZ Family reported that on May 25th, Marlene Sanchez Valenzuela, 21 was traveling northbound on 7th Avenue in a Volkswagen Passat with seven passengers in her vehicle when she allegedly ran a stops sign while attempting a turn at the intersection of Baseline and 7th Avenue. Sanchez’ vehicle collided with two vehicles; a Chevy Impala and a Chevy Tahoe SUV that were traveling westbound on Baseline.
Killed in the collision was Jessica Mendoza, 21. Mendoza had been riding in the back seat of the vehicle with four other passengers. She was taken to the hospital in extremely critical condition. She later died as the result of injuries she suffered in the crash.
Phoenix Police Captain Kenny Overton said in a statement that eight others were injured in the accident and ranged in age from 16 to 30 years of age. Among those injured were Valenzuela and two female passengers, aged between 17 and 21. Their injuries were non-life threatening.
Also injured were a 24-year-old man and a 48-year-old man with non-life threatening injuries. Police have not released their identities.
Phoenix Police investigators at the time believed that intoxication was a factor in the fatal accident. According to Sgt. Rothschild, Valenzuela was taken into custody late last month and charged with manslaughter, aggravated assault, and other related charges.
