Teen Charged After Porsche Hit-and-Run Kills Three Arizona Students
On a tragic Thursday night in Tucson, Arizona, three students from the University of Arizona lost their lives in a hit-and-run incident involving a speeding Porsche. The accused driver, 19-year-old Louis John Artal, faces serious charges, including three counts of second-degree murder and one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
Incident Details
According to the Tucson Police Department (TPD), the incident occurred around 11 p.m. at the intersection of North Euclid Avenue and East Second Street. Artal was reportedly driving a 2019 Porsche Boxster above the 30 mph speed limit. As he approached the crosswalk, he struck three pedestrians who were walking east across the street.
Victims
- Sophia Akimi Troetel, 21
- Josiah Patrick Santos, 22
- Katya Rosaura Castillo Mendoza, 21
Emergency responders pronounced Troetel and Santos dead at the scene. Mendoza, severely injured, was taken to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries two days later.
Community Response
The University of Arizona expressed profound sorrow over the loss of their students, offering condolences to the families and friends of the victims. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist the families, garnering nearly $24,000 in support.
Legal Proceedings
After the collision, Artal turned himself in to the police the following morning. Authorities reported that he was found to be impaired at the time of the accident, with alcohol or drugs contributing to the incident.
Statistics on Pedestrian Safety
This tragic event highlights a concerning trend in Tucson. As of this year, there have been 26 pedestrian deaths in the area, surpassing the previous year’s total of 25 fatalities.
The TPD continues to investigate the incident, emphasizing the ongoing nature of this tragic case. Artal has been booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Center, where he was later granted a $250,000 cash bond.
Conclusion
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly for pedestrians. The community mourns the loss of three promising young lives cut short by a reckless act.
