Watch CBS News

More Charges Added To Teen Involved In Deadly Crash

MIAMI – (CBSMiami.com) – Prosecutors added charges against the University of Miami student involved in a deadly accident in Coral Gables Monday morning.

In addition to a vehicular homicide charge, the state said in court Monday that Ivanna Villanueva would face a DUI manslaughter charge and a felony for allegedly carrying a false driver's license.

Villanueva's recently released toxicology report showed that she had nearly triple the legal limit of alcohol in her system at the time of the October 2nd crash that killed a grandmother.

Villanueva was not in court Monday.

Tearful family members for the woman who died in the crash -- 68-year-old Eyder Ayala – spoke out after the hearing and said they hoped Villanueva receives the maximum penalty.

Ayala's daughter Brenda Vasquez said Eyder has been buried in Nicargua and that her family has been through "a tragic, traumatizing and catastrophic event."

"It's been difficult in every way. She helped financially with her grandchildren took care of grandchildren and was an amazing mother to all of them and the loss is huge for this family," said Vasquez. "she was a wonderful woman."

The accident occurred at the intersection of LeJeune Road and Majorca Avenue. Police say Villanueva was driving at a high rate of speed when she slammed into Ayala's car.

Ayala, a mother to five and grandmother to seven, died at the scene.

Ayala's family said they got worried when she didn't come home from work at the McDonalds at SW 42nd Avenue and 9th Street where she's worked for more than 20 years as a manager.

Prosecutors revealed during Villanueva's bond hearing that she was in possession of several fake IDs, which she used to gain entrance to LIV nightclub at the Fontainebleau Hotel.

Villanueva, 19, is currently under house arrest and she is allowed to continue to attend classes at the University of Miami pending her trial.

"This is a horrible tragedy all around," said Villanueva's attorney David Marcus.  "The Villanueva family offers their deepest sympathies and we'll go forward from here.  This is a tragic case."

Ayala's family has sued Villanueva and her father, saying he is liable for her conduct.

The multi-million dollar lawsuit says she was "speeding, negligent and reckless."

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.