This week, officials in New Jersey disclosed that the illegal immigrants who collided with a sedan, driven by a young mother along with her 11-year-old daughter, had blood alcohol levels three times over the legal limit.
Raul Luna Perez was reportedly driving over 60 mph in a residential area in Lakewood when he sped by other vehicles just moments before the fatal accident on July 26th. Witnesses indicated that they saw him attempt to overtake other cars several times prior to the crash.
Maria’s daughter, Dayanara Cortez, tragically died shortly after arriving at a nearby hospital.
Dayanara’s friend, who was also in the car, miraculously survived, though her identity has not been released by authorities.
Luna Perez, 43, has lived in Red Bank, New Jersey, illegally since early 2023, but it’s unclear when or how he entered the U.S., according to a federal source.
Remarkably, despite having two prior DUI arrests in March and April, along with domestic violence incidents from the same year, records show he was still able to drive.
Charges against Luna Perez were updated to include two counts of aggravated manslaughter and two counts of strict liability vehicle murder after police received his blood test results, as confirmed by prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
Last week, he was first charged with vehicle murder and assault related to the crash. After spending several days in an ice detention facility, he has now been returned to the county jail.
Billhimer said in a statement, “Thanks to the cooperation between U.S. immigration and customs enforcement, Luna Perez has been brought back to Ocean County to face these enhanced charges.” He added that this action reflects a collective determination to hold those accountable for serious offenses, regardless of their immigration status.
