A 27-year-old Pleasant Grove recently pled guilty to automobile homicide in connection with a fatal pedestrian accident last fall.
Authorities accused Ramiro Hernandez of driving a SUV on a sidewalk and fatally hitting 22-year-old Ashlee Zimmer.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Hernandez pleaded guilty in Provo’s 4th District Court on Friday. To a variety of charges including second-degree automobile homicide involving alcohol or drugs, hit-and-run involving death and failure to have a license, among other things.
Reports of that night indicated that he was cited by the Lindon police for intoxication and disorderly conduct at a party. A friend gave him a ride home but he later decided to drive.
Authorities say that Zimmer was sitting on the sidewalk smoking at the time of the accident. Her body was dragged underneath Hernandez’s SUV as it slammed through a fence and hit a building. Zimmer’s husband found her body under the car and called emergency crews. Hernandez allegedly fled on foot when the paramedics showed up.
Hernandez has been held in the Utah County jail on a $500,000 cash-only bond. The high bond is because authorities consider him an “aggravated re-entry illegal immigrant” and suspect that he is in the country illegally.
Although this is a severe criminal case involving an illegal alien, even naturalized citizens can face deportation for crimes. That is why it is important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney before accepting any type of plea deal in connection with a crime.
The Salt Lake City criminal defense team at Greg Smith & Associates handles criminal defense cases throughout Utah. If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been charged with a crime, call us at 801-651-1512 or contact us online.