Second person dies after Oklahoma high-speed chase involving 3 Puebloans

A Pueblo girl who was beforehand listed in crucial situation has died after a high-speed chase in Norman, Oklahoma.

Mercedes Martinez, 26, of Pueblo, died in an Oklahoma Metropolis hospital after being ejected from a car on Aug. 15 after Oklahoma Freeway Patrol used a PIT maneuver to cease a fleeing, allegedly stolen car pushed by Alex Carpenter, 30, of Pueblo, on Interstate 35.

“My daughter would gentle up a room. She was humorous. Folks adored her,” mentioned Angela Cortez, Martinez’s mom. “They might do something for her if she requested. She beloved her youngsters. She beloved to bake. She was my solely daughter. My finest good friend. Life gained’t be that vivid with out her anymore.”

Ethan Mestas, 22, of Pueblo, was additionally ejected from the car and was pronounced lifeless on the scene.

Carpenter faces one rely of homicide and can possible be charged with a second rely on account of Martinez’s loss of life, based on Sarah Stewart, a consultant for Oklahoma Freeway Patrol. The freeway patrol is at the moment working with the Cleveland County District Legal professional to make a charging determination.

Carpenter additionally faces prices of unauthorized use of a car and eluding or trying to elude a police officer.

On Aug. 15, Oklahoma Freeway Patrol trooper Nick Mills chased Carpenter, the driving force, on Interstate 35 from south Oklahoma Metropolis to Norman after Carpenter failed to drag over for an gear violation, based on paperwork from the Cleveland County District Court docket.

Mills was knowledgeable in the course of the course of the pursuit that the tags on the Ford Ranger have been reported stolen out of Custer County, Colorado.

Underneath Oklahoma legislation, an individual is charged with homicide in the event that they trigger the loss of life of one other within the means of committing a felony. The Oklahoma Freeway Patrol didn’t reply to the Chieftain’s request for added info.

The Pueblo trio was in Oklahoma to attend the funeral of Martinez’s stepfather, who died on Aug. 9 from a post-surgery an infection, Cortez mentioned. Martinez’s brother had been killed three days prior by a drunk driver.

Kayla Mestas, older sister of Ethan Mestas, remembers her brother as an individual who would give others the shirt off his again.

“My brother was an excellent child. He had a very large coronary heart. He would give the garments he had on him to anyone struggling regardless that he did not have a lot,” she mentioned. “My brother was beloved by so many individuals … He was a younger child that had his life forward of him.”

Mestas remembers her brother as having a “large vivid smile” and a “contagious chortle.”

“He was all the time cracking up jokes with anyone,” she mentioned.

Cortez mentioned she didn’t consider the pursuit and ensuing PIT maneuver that result in the deaths of two folks was needed.

“If he thinks stolen property was (value) having younger youngsters die for, then his priorities are flawed,” she mentioned. “It was not like they have been out killing folks or robbing banks. They’d no weapons on them … now due to that cop, I’ve one other little one to place to relaxation.”

Mestas additionally mentioned she she felt the ways utilized by Oklahoma Freeway Patrol weren’t applicable.

“I believe if he would’ve simply backed away a little bit, the driving force would’ve taken a special manner or possibly stopped the automotive, however we do not ever know what is going on to occur, particularly once you’re in these conditions,” she mentioned. “I strongly consider this might’ve been taken care of an entire totally different manner with out anyone getting damage or killed.”

“I wish to add my daughter was an organ donor,” Cortez mentioned. “By her passing away, she gave a number of folks a second likelihood to dwell.”

Twenty folks have died in 16 chases by Oklahoma Freeway Patrol since 2016, based on the Tulsa World.

All however one of many chases stemmed from stolen property or site visitors violations.

The household of Martinez has arrange a GoFundMe, merely named “Mercedes and Joseph,” to assist with bills for Mercedes and her brother, Joseph, with a $2,500 fundraising objective.

“(The household) have needed to pull out a number of loans and max out bank cards to pay for instant bills, but they nonetheless want monetary assist to pay for extra. The prices of funeral and cremation have even affected their skill to pay hire, purchase fuel and groceries,” mentioned Josue Soto, the organizer of the GoFundMe.

The GoFundMe had raised $250 as of Friday afternoon.

Carpenter is about for a preliminary listening to in Cleveland County Court docket at 9 a.m. Sept. 27.

All suspects are harmless till confirmed responsible in court docket. Arrests and prices are merely accusations by legislation enforcement till, and until, a suspect is convicted of a criminal offense. 

Questions, feedback or story suggestions? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com.