One of the most closely watched criminal cases of 2026 returns to court on Friday morning, October 2, when the trial of C. Fernandez Pedra begins with a full hearing.
Fernandez Pedra is charged with the homicide of two pedestrians, Josely Paulina Vasquez Gonzalez and Carlos David Vialez Valerio, and the attempted homicide of two others, in connection with the fatal accident on L.G. Smith Boulevard on January 4, 2026.
According to the Public Prosecution Service, Fernandez Pedra was driving a Jeep Compass without a valid driver’s license and under the influence of alcohol. Prosecutors allege he was in an emotional state, drove at excessive speed, failed to adapt his speed to the road conditions, paid insufficient attention to other road users — particularly pedestrians — failed to keep to the right, and did not swerve to avoid the impact.
The two victims died after the impact near the Wind Creek Casino, an incident that caused great commotion in the community. Two other pedestrians were nearly struck while crossing the road, forming the basis of the attempted-homicide charges; subsidiarily, the prosecution charged attempted grievous bodily harm.
The case file also includes charges of leaving the scene of the accident, driving under the influence, and driving without a valid license.
The case was previously postponed while additional investigation — including examination of the vehicle’s electronic system and a psychological report — was still pending. The court previously ruled that Fernandez Pedra must remain in detention and that effective legal assistance is essential for the proceedings to continue.
Fernandez Pedra has previously described what happened as “a terrible accident” and stressed that no conviction has been issued against him. The charges must still be proven in court, where the accused is considered innocent until a final conviction is rendered.
Source: NoticiaCla
