A heartbreaking crash in Washington state has left three teenage girls dead—and investigators say it may have been no accident.
Authorities say Presiliano Perez-Pineda, 19, has been arrested after allegedly crashing into a car carrying three 15-year-old girls, sending it into an irrigation canal before fleeing the scene.
The victims have been identified as Yaritzi Flores-Romero, Melissa Romero-Espinoza, and Iris Ramos Cruz—all students at Othello High School.
The crash happened on April 26 near Bench Road in Othello. When deputies arrived, they found the vehicle overturned in a canal. All three girls had been ejected and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say a second vehicle—a white Mercedes sedan—was directly involved. Evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements, suggests the Mercedes slammed into the girls’ car at a high rate of speed.
Authorities allege Perez-Pineda, who was driving the Mercedes, fled after the crash but was later tracked down and arrested.
He now faces three counts of vehicular homicide, including one charge with a domestic violence enhancement due to a previous relationship with one of the victims.
The loss has devastated the local community.
School officials confirmed all three girls were students and said grief is being felt across the district.
“Our hearts are with their families, friends, and all who knew and loved them,” Superintendent Dr. Pete Perez said in a statement.
Friends and loved ones are remembering the girls as vibrant, kind, and full of life.
Yaritzi, known as “Yari,” was part of her school’s wrestling team and was described as a fierce competitor and a natural leader. Teammates said she brought energy, determination, and a constant smile wherever she went.
Tributes for Melissa and Iris paint the same picture—young lives filled with love, laughter, and big dreams. Iris, in particular, was remembered as someone who “shined wherever she went” and dreamed of becoming a nail technician.
GoFundMe pages created for the families describe a loss that has left an unimaginable void.
“Their absence has left a space that can never truly be filled,” one tribute read.
Perez-Pineda’s bail has been set at $1 million as the investigation continues.
How is a some Hispanic 19 year old have a Mercedes? Was it stolen or is he a drug dealer?
What’s with the lips????????