Edgar Banuelos, 37, faces second-degree murder and other charges after allegedly speeding at 100 mph while intoxicated, causing a fiery crash that killed his 16-year-old son in Monterey County. The California Highway Patrol says the April 3 incident on Meridian Road involved Banuelos losing control of his Volkswagen sedan. He pleaded not guilty at a court appearance this week.
On the night of April 3, Edgar Banuelos was driving westbound on Meridian Road east of Revilla Drive, an unincorporated area of Monterey County about 20 miles northeast of Monterey, according to the California Highway Patrol. Authorities say he was traveling at 100 mph in a 25 mph zone when he lost control, veered off the road, went airborne over a small hill, and struck a tree. The Volkswagen sedan burst into flames upon impact, killing his 16-year-old son, Edgar Jeremiah Banuelos-Gonzalez, who burned inside the vehicle. Banuelos had alcohol in his system, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office reported. His other sons, aged 14 and 7, survived with moderate injuries and were treated at a San Jose hospital, while Banuelos suffered major injuries himself. Monterey County prosecutors filed charges on Monday, including one count each of second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, plus three counts of child abuse. At Wednesday's court hearing, Chief Assistant District Attorney Berkley Brannon described the case as involving 'willful and wanton disregard for human life,' noting the high speed in a residential area near Banuelos' home. 'When you combine that with driving at this speed in a residential area, it constitutes murder,' Brannon said. Banuelos pleaded not guilty. The boys' mother, Jessica Gonzalez, has called for forgiveness. 'We don't have room for hate in our heart,' she said, adding that a murder charge 'breaks my heart' since 'Edgar has always been there for his kids.' She described her late son as a great kid and athlete who brought smiles to everyone. Banuelos is held in Monterey County Jail on $1.4 million bail, with his next court date set for May 6.