A drunk driver responsible for the tragic death of a 16-year-old girl in Queens on Saturday has been identified as a previously deported Honduran illegal immigrant with a history of DUI arrests, according to a senior source from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) speaking to FOX.
Edwin Cruz Gomez, aged 38, was taken into custody by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on Saturday. He faces charges including murder, three counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault, and other offenses after allegedly striking Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez and her mother, reportedly following their refusal of his unwanted advances, the source stated.
An immigration detainer was lodged on Monday.
The teen was pronounced dead at the scene, and her mother is in stable condition.
Edwin Cruz Gomez is charged with murder in a Queens hit-and-run. ( )
In the following month, on November 13, 2024, he was found guilty in Nassau County for driving without a license and was handed a five-day jail sentence. He was subsequently released.
Gomez was arrested again on Jan. 26 for driving under the influence and was released from custody before a detainer could be lodged.
