ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The surviving driver facing charges in a deadly crash while racing on Louisiana won’t stay in jail; a judge made that decision Monday morning. The suspected driver, Andy Doreste-Saumell, is facing two counts of vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and other charges.
“People have been leaving flowers at the site here. I don’t know who they are but they are fresh flowers,” said Mary Hooper, a neighbor in the area, “A lot of emotion behind this case, I think a lot of emotion.” Neighbors near Dellwood and Louisiana are still reeling from the crash that claimed two lives and sent three to the hospital.
Just over a week ago, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) said 28-year-old Andy Doreste-Saumell was racing another driver in a Mini Cooper on Louisiana Boulevard. Investigators said surveillance video shows the two cars hitting a white Toyota Camry with three people inside. The driver of the Camry, Jenna Hamilton, was killed. Her two passengers are Sandia High School volleyball players, including Jenna’s daughter Alanah Hamilton, and Sawyer Bennett.
According to a GoFundMe for the two volleyball players injured in the crash, Alanah Hamilton and Sawyer Bennett were ‘seriously injured’ and are said to be ‘still recovering.’
“Based on the incident itself, the state does not believe there is anything the court can do to keep the public safe,” said Deputy District Attorney Guinevere Ice, “The state is asking that the court hold this defendant.”
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Doreste-Saumell’s attorney Franz Michael Von Hoffmann asked for the judge to release him based on his lack of a criminal history and his job as an IPS security guard.
Judge Brett Loveless acknowledged the seriousness of the incident but ultimately opted to release Doreste-Saumell—conditionally.
“Racing is incredibly reckless. I’m cognizant of the fact that he does have a job as a security guard which means he’s also entrusted with possession of a firearm, but at the same time, that’s extremely reckless behavior which is extremely dangerous,” Loveless said.
Doreste-Saumell is being put under pre-trial services supervision; he’s also been ordered not to drive, use drugs or alcohol, or leave the county—among other conditions—while awaiting trial.
