Watch CBS News

Fmr. Coral Springs Cop Enters Not Guilty Plea In Fatal DUI Crash

CORAL GABLES – (CBSMiami) – Peter Munoz, the former Coral Springs police officer accused of DUI manslaughter in the death of a 23-year-old woman, has entered a not guilty plea.

Distraught family members of the victim – Jennifer Gutierrez – said Munoz, 24, was a "coward" for not showing up to court Thursday, according to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald.

Munoz's attorney Alan Ross waived his appearance for his arraignment.

During the early morning hours of July 16, 2011, Munoz and Gutierrez were involved in a crash at LeJeune Road and Aledo Avenue. It killed Gutierrez – a mother to a 4-year-old boy and aspiring lawyer.

Munoz was charged with vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter and according to a toxicology report, Munoz's blood-alcohol level was .229, which is more than three times the legal limit of .08.

Coral Springs Police say Munoz had only been a patrol officer for the department for 5 months. He was terminated for failure to complete the mandated employment probationary period.

Munoz's next court date is set for February 3rd, 2012 before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Dennis Murphy.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Miami Herald contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.