Bond Hearing Held for Woman Charged in Fatal Wrong-Way Crash
In a hearing that drew significant attention, 45-year-old Sunshine Perez faced a bond court on Thursday following allegations that she caused a fatal wrong-way crash in Miramar, Florida. The incident, which occurred in January, claimed the life of 23-year-old Ezequiel Urrutia, a recent graduate of Florida International University (FIU).
Details of the Tragic Incident
Perez was moved to Broward County Jail from Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center shortly before her court appearance. According to reports from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), she was driving a 2010 Honda Element in the wrong direction on the Turnpike east of Red Road when she struck Urrutia’s vehicle, a 2016 Honda Civic, head-on.
Investigations revealed that Perez was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the crash. FHP noted that her blood alcohol concentration was 0.08 or higher when the collision occurred.
Family’s Heartfelt Plea
During the hearing, Urrutia’s mother, Tiffany Urrutia, attended via Zoom to advocate for her son’s memory. She made a poignant appeal to the judge, requesting that Perez be held without bond. “I am Ezequiel Urrutia’s mother, affectionately known as Zeke. He was tragically and senselessly taken from this world by the actions of Sunshine Perez, who chose to drive under the influence,” she stated. “Zeke was my only son. He was my heart. He was my purpose. His life was stolen in an instant.”
A Lasting Legacy
Urrutia, who aspired to be a firefighter, is remembered not only for his ambitions but also through the establishment of the Zeke Urrutia Firefighter Scholarship. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Miami Dade College Fire Academy and the Miami Dade College Foundation, aims to support future firefighters who are dedicated to serving their communities.
Current Charges Against Perez
Perez faces multiple charges, including:
- Two counts of DUI manslaughter
- One count of vehicular homicide
- Two counts of DUI causing property damage
- Two counts of reckless driving causing property damage
As the case progresses, the community reflects on the tragic loss of a young life and the repercussions of impaired driving.