DES MOINES, Iowa — A 17-year-old has been referred to juvenile court on vehicular homicide charges for a deadly December crash — but police are requesting his case be waived to adult court.
The Des Moines Police Department released more information Monday about the crash that happened on December 23, 2023 , just south of the intersection of SE 14th Street and Watrous Avenue.
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Police said a 17-year-old male was driving faster than 70 mph, in a 40 mph zone, when his Chrysler 300 crashed into a Lexus ES350 that was turning onto SE 14th Street from a business parking lot.
The 17-year-old was also under the influence of cannabis at the time of the crash, according to police.
The driver of the Lexus, 35-year-old Roberto Eduardo Rodriguez Peterson died from injuries received in the crash.
The teen driver is now charged with Homicide By Vehicle — OWI and Homicide By Vehicle — Reckless Driving. His name will not be released until the case is waived to adult court.