An 18-year-old is facing a negligent homicide charge, and a 17-year-old is dead as a result of a dangerous driving stunt in Tangipahoa Parish. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says Josean Martinez was driving his truck recklessly while Dulce Rudas was sitting outside the passenger window and another 20-year-old was standing in the bed of the vehicle. He says this is a tragedy with a sobering lesson.
“Vehicles are not toys. Our roadways are not a racetrack; a game room, so to speak. This is an 18-year-old. His future is forever changed. There’s a 17-year-old who’s never going to go home again,” Sticker said.
Sticker says Martinez drove away from the scene and tried to hide his truck, leaving the two passengers injured in the street. Rudas passed away in the hospital Sunday, a week after the incident. Sticker has a message for young drivers:
“You are responsible for that vehicle. That driver’s license comes with the responsibility of operating safely within the confines of the law, and you’re responsible for every soul. You’re the captain of that ship. You’re responsible for every soul on board that vehicle,” Sticker stated.
Sticker says parents need to teach their children the importance of driving safely and taking that responsibility seriously.
“All this was avoidable. That’s probably the most frustrating part of all this; is that conversations should have been had. Wiser decisions should have been made,” Sticker noted.
Martinez is facing up to ten years in prison. He is also charged with negligent injury, failure to seek assistance, obstruction of justice, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and driving with no license.