Authorities in New Jersey reported that illegal immigrants from Mexico were allegedly intoxicated while driving a speeding SUV, which collided head-on with a compact car, tragically claiming the lives of a woman and her 11-year-old daughter.
Raul Luna-Perez, 43, has been residing in Red Bank, New Jersey, since early this year, though it’s unclear when he entered the United States.
Despite having two DUI arrests earlier this year and domestic violence charges, records indicate that he is still at large.
Homeland Security Deputy Director Tricia McLaughlin expressed concerns over the situation, attributing the incident to “failed leadership” under Governor Murphy’s sanctuary policy, which they claim has allowed such offenders to remain in the community.
According to local prosecutors, Luna-Perez’s Dodge Durango collided with Maria Plates’ Nissan Sentra in Lakewood on July 26. Maria died immediately, while her daughter, Dayanara Cortez, passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital. Additionally, another 11-year-old girl, who was with them, was injured but later stabilized.
Luna-Perez escaped with minor injuries, as did his two passengers.
Authorities noted that he exhibited signs of intoxication at the crash scene and has been charged with two counts of murder and assault by vehicle. More charges may follow pending blood test results.
In an ironic twist, his mother, whom he is accused of killing, had moved to the U.S. from El Salvador a few years ago, though it’s unknown if she was in the country illegally.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for funeral expenses, and it has raised nearly $30,000. Maria’s niece described her as a hard-working woman dedicated to her daughters.
The two victims are survived by Dayanara’s 16-year-old sister. Luna-Perez is being held at Ocean County Jail as an active immigrant detainee.
Luna-Perez has had a history of legal issues. He was arrested for disorderly conduct in Red Bank in 2008 and faced further charges this year for leaving the scene of an accident. He has multiple domestic violence arrests as well.
Interestingly, he faced two DUI arrests within a month but continued driving. Prosecutors noted that he currently lacks legal representation.
Though Red Bank hasn’t formally declared itself a “sanctuary city,” it maintains a resolution supporting immigration, while New Jersey as a whole has adopted policies aimed at building trust between law enforcement and the immigrant community.
