Nearly a year after a violent East Memphis wreck killed a 20-year-old passenger and injured several others, a Memphis woman is now facing a slate of serious charges, including vehicular homicide and driving under the influence.
Charges announced
According to WREG, 47-year-old Heather Renderos has been charged with vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, driving without insurance and driving with a revoked or suspended license in connection with the March 19, 2025 crash.
WREG reports that Renderos is being held without bail. At the time of that outlet’s reporting, no arraignment date had been posted.
The crash
Police responded to the collision at Sharpe Avenue and Prescott Road shortly after 6:30 p.m. on March 19, 2025, according to Action News 5.
Investigators said a Hyundai Sonata left the roadway, hit a curb, slammed into a Memphis Light, Gas & Water pole, and then struck another vehicle. One passenger was ejected from the car and later pronounced dead at the hospital, Action News 5 reported.
Victim identified
The passenger who died was identified as 20-year-old Miranda Flamenco. Her obituary lists March 19, 2025, as her date of death, and The Daily Memphian’s obituary page confirms her age and shows funeral services were held in April.
Police say intoxication
At the hospital after the crash, officers noticed the odor of an intoxicant, according to WREG. Investigators said a standardized field sobriety test indicated impairment.
WREG also reports that Renderos consented to a blood draw that showed a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.125. A juvenile passenger from the vehicle was taken to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in noncritical condition, according to the same outlet.
Context and next steps
Prosecutors will now determine whether to pursue a formal indictment and set an arraignment date. Once those decisions are made, court filings will outline the next procedural steps.
Recent local cases, including a recent vehicular homicide indictment earlier this year, highlight how impaired-driving prosecutions have been a clear enforcement focus in the area. As with any criminal case, Renderos is presumed innocent unless and until she is convicted in court.
Legal implications
Under Tennessee law, vehicular homicide by intoxication is classified as a serious felony. Convictions can bring mandatory minimum prison time and limits on probation, and the statute includes potential sentencing enhancements for intoxication-related fatalities.
The relevant law is Tennessee Code § 39-13-213. For a summary of the statute, see FindLaw.
