Teen accused of intentional 12-car crash that killed pregnant girlfriend denied murder charge dismissal

Jose Gutierrez, 19, must face murder charges for the deadly crash that also killed two other drivers, a judge ruled.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Nevada teen accused of causing an "intentional" 12-car crash after slamming into vehicles stopped at a red light - killing his pregnant girlfriend and two other drivers - was denied a bid to have the murder charges against him dismissed. 19-year-old Jose Gutierrez, who was allegedly going 100 mph in a 45 mph zone, has been charged with murder with a deadly weapon, reckless driving resulting in death, attempted murder with a deadly weapon, and battery.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing concerns around repeat offenders and public safety on the roads, as well as the challenges of prosecuting intentional vehicular homicide cases. The judge's decision to deny the dismissal of murder charges against Gutierrez sends a strong message about the severity of his alleged actions and the need to hold him accountable.

The details

Court documents allege that Gutierrez "accelerated at full throttle for nearly a mile, reached speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, and drove directly and intentionally into a line of vehicles stopped at a red light without braking or swerving, causing multiple deaths and serious bodily injury." Prosecutors argued that Gutierrez's conduct, as described by witnesses, was akin to a "terrorist driving a bomb into a military target." Gutierrez's defense attorney argued that the murder charges should be dismissed due to a lack of evidence showing the teen's intent, but the judge disagreed and denied the request.

  • On October 2025, Gutierrez was cited for speeding after police caught him going 52 mph in a 35 mph zone.
  • In April 2026, Gutierrez was arrested for intimidating a police officer who responded to a report of a woman claiming she was hit by Gutierrez.
  • On February 19, 2026, the judge denied Gutierrez's bid to dismiss the murder charges against him.

The players

Jose Gutierrez

A 19-year-old Las Vegas resident accused of causing an intentional 12-car crash that killed his pregnant girlfriend and two other drivers.

Adilene Rincon

Gutierrez's 20-year-old pregnant girlfriend who was killed in the crash.

Edward Garcia

A 38-year-old driver who was killed in the crash.

Vanessa Vasquez

A 25-year-old driver who died several weeks after being hospitalized from injuries sustained in the crash.

Nicholas Portz

The Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney prosecuting the case against Gutierrez.

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What they’re saying

“The evidence of his intent can be, as we know, inferred from the circumstances. He drove in a straight line directly at a group of vehicles stopped at a red light, and that takes far more willfulness, deliberation, and intent than merely pulling the trigger of a gun, which is an obvious example of first-degree murder.”

— Nicholas Portz, Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“The way he drove into the cars is the way a terrorist drives into a military base.”

— Assaf Cohen, Alleged witness (KTNV)

What’s next

Gutierrez is due back in court on March 4, 2026 for further proceedings.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for stronger accountability and deterrents for reckless and dangerous driving, especially among repeat offenders, in order to protect public safety on our roads. It also raises questions about the challenges of prosecuting intentional vehicular homicide and the appropriate charges to bring in such cases.