The Centralia man accused of causing the crash that led to the death of 95-year-old Chehalis resident Dorothy J. Van Diest on Thanksgiving Day was charged with multiple felonies.
Remigio Corona Quintero, 55, faces one count each of vehicular homicide and second-degree assault. Vehicular homicide is a Class A felony punishable by up to life in prison and $50,000 in fines. Second-degree assault is a Class B felony. Both are considered strike offenses, meaning three such convictions would result in a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
During a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday, Commissioner Cailen L. Cecil set Corona Quintero’s bail at $1 million, in agreement with the state’s request.
Before the ruling, Senior Deputy Prosecutor Paul Masiello said, “We obviously have very serious and unfortunate charges here,” and indicated most of the defendant’s previous criminal history included misdemeanor convictions for driving-related offenses.
The probable cause affidavit filed by the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office further alleges that Corona Quintero “lacks ties to the community.”
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller said the misdemeanors referenced by the state were over two decades old and added that Corona Quintero resided locally, was employed and had family present in the courtroom. She emphasized Corona Quintero had no known felony or DUI history.
The Washington State Patrol issued a news release after the incident, indicating Corona Quintero had attempted a U-turn on U.S. Highway 12 near Mary’s Corner at about 4:42 p.m. Thursday.
According to the state patrol, Corona Quintero’s vehicle, a 1999 GMC Sierra, struck the 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan behind him, driven by Joanne McCurry, 66, of Mossyrock.
The probable cause affidavit stated that McCurry told law enforcement “she was traveling westbound on Highway 12 when she observed a pickup on the shoulder. The pickup began to turn in front of her and she had no time to stop.”
According to the affidavit, McCurry’s vehicle rolled into the ditch after the collision.
Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement reportedly smelled the “odor of intoxicants” on Corona Quintero, and allegedly observed him urinating twice and “licking water off of the hood of his damaged vehicle,” according to the affidavit.
Corona Quintero allegedly struggled to walk without assistance. His blood was later drawn.
Corona Quintero, McCurry and McCurry’s mother, Van Diest, who were all reportedly wearing seat belts at the time of the collision, were transported to Providence Centralia Hospital.
Van Diest died at the hospital from her injuries.
Corona Quintero was scheduled to appear for arraignment on Thursday, Dec. 4, with Don Blair assigned to represent him.
