Yesterday, we brought you the tragic story of a young man who should've been celebrating his birthday today. Instead, his family is planning his funeral after he was killed in a car accident early Saturday morning.
22-year-old Joshua Martinez was in Ladyville when he experienced vehicle troubles. He pulled to the side of the road while his close friend, off duty police officer, PC David Griffith, came to assist him. While jumping his car, another vehicle with an alleged drunk driver at the wheel - came racing down the highway and collided into Martinez's door - which was ajar - causing his vehicle to slam into him and crush him on the spot.
And that driver, 52-year-old Manuel Ramos was unrepresented in court today as he was read five traffic offenses: manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, drove motor vehicle without due care and attention, having an alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit, and one count of negligent harm for injuries caused to Martinez's friend, who was also on the scene.
No plea was taken from Ramos in court and there was no objection to bail, so Acting Chief Magistrate, Tricia Pitts-Anderson granted it in the sum of $5,000 plus one surety of the same amount or two sureties of $2,500 each. He is expected not to interfere with any witnesses and to report to the Ladyville police station every Friday.
And today, as court reporter, Anita Nembhard, attempted to capture footage of Ramos leaving the courtroom, his son obstructed her camera, and she alleges he was quote, "verbally violent" towards her. For reference, here is the video she captured:
Ramos has since sought legal advice from attorney Hubert Elrington, and will be back in court on May 22.
