A grand jury has indicted Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez for the death of Sheriff’s Academy recruit Alejandro Martinez-Inzunza and the injuring of nine other recruits, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has confirmed. The incident, which happened more than a year ago during a wrong-way crash in Whittier, has led to a charge of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and nine counts of reckless driving.
Speaking about the tragedy, District Attorney George Gascón said, "More than a year later, we are still grappling with the profound loss of a promising sheriff’s deputy recruit, Alejandro Martinez-Inzunza, and the other recruits who were seriously injured as a result of this tragic incident." According to a statement obtained by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Gascón added, "Today’s indictment is a significant step forward to quickly bring justice in the progress of this case."
The fateful day on November 16, 2022, saw 76 LASD Academy Class 464 members running on Mills Avenue at Bentongrove Drive, when Gutierrez reportedly crossed into their path, causing a harrowing collision. The aftermath left twenty-five recruits injured, with recruit Martinez-Inzunza tragically succumbing to his injuries eight months later on July 28, 2023.
Gutierrez entered a plea of not guilty to the indictment which was unsealed on January 23, with a set appearance for a pre-trial conference on February 9. While able to post a $500,000 bail, if convicted as charged, Gutierrez could potentially face up to 12 years in state prison.
