Fatal Memorial Day Crash Raises Questions After Driver’s Prior Manslaughter Case Emerges

New details have emerged about a fatal crash over Memorial Day weekend that left one person dead and two others seriously injured at a busy Las Vegas intersection. Police say the suspected impaired driver in the case had previously been charged with vehicular manslaughter, adding further scrutiny to the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The crash occurred around 5:30 a.m. on May 23 at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Bruce Street. Authorities say a Ford Mustang driven by 21-year-old Maria Gonsalez collided with a Nissan truck driven by 49-year-old Juan Santana-Savalza. Santana-Savalza was pronounced dead at the scene.

Incident

According to an arrest report obtained by Channel 13, Santana-Savalza was traveling westbound on Washington Avenue in the left turn lane as he approached a yellow traffic signal. Police said he began turning onto Bruce Street when his vehicle was struck by the Mustang traveling eastbound at what investigators described as an excessive speed.

The impact ejected Santana-Savalza from his vehicle. He died at the scene. A passenger inside the Mustang suffered critical injuries and was transported to a hospital.

Speed

Investigators noted significant evidence suggesting the Mustang was traveling far above the posted speed limit of 35 mph. According to the arrest report, the vehicle’s speedometer needle was “pinned” between 95 and 100 miles per hour at the time of the crash.

The report explained that modern speedometers are motor-driven and tend to freeze at the last registered speed when power is lost during a collision. Police said this supported their conclusion that the Mustang entered the intersection at a very high rate of speed as the traffic signal turned red.

Impairment

Police also reported signs of possible impairment. Officers at the scene noted a heavy odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Gonsalez. An open bottle of Don Julio tequila was found in plain view on the passenger-side floorboard of the Mustang, according to the arrest report.

Authorities stated that Gonsalez failed to slow down or exercise due care as she entered the intersection. She was booked in absentia on charges related to driving under the influence and reckless driving.

History

The arrest report revealed that Gonsalez had a prior vehicular manslaughter charge stemming from an incident in 2023. Police did not release further details about that earlier case.

In addition, records showed that the Ford Mustang involved in the crash had a suspended registration as of January 2025, meaning the vehicle was not legally registered at the time of the collision.

Investigation

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate the crash. Authorities have not yet announced whether additional charges may be filed pending the outcome of toxicology tests or further review of evidence.

Police emphasized that the information in the arrest report reflects preliminary findings and that the case remains under active investigation.

Safety

Fatal crashes involving suspected impaired driving remain a persistent concern for law enforcement, particularly during holiday weekends when traffic volumes are higher. Memorial Day weekend is historically associated with an increase in serious traffic collisions nationwide.

Authorities continue to urge drivers to avoid alcohol and drugs before getting behind the wheel and to obey posted speed limits, especially at intersections where the risk of severe injury or death is elevated.

The case involving Santana-Savalza’s death is expected to move through the court system in the coming weeks as prosecutors review the evidence and determine next steps.

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