Local June 20, 2024 | 10:08 am

Venezuelan woman accused in fatal traffic accident may not face prison time

Santo Domingo.- Lawyer Robinson Reyes dismissed the possibility of a judge imposing preventive detention on Shakie Valentina Mujica Zapata, a Venezuelan accused of the involuntary death of Julio César de la Rosa Peralta in a traffic accident on July 15 on the 30 de Mayo highway.

“Requesting preventive detention for a traffic accident is absurd. The Public Ministry may request it, but no judge will impose such a measure,” Reyes asserted.

Reyes explained that the case involves reckless homicide, highlighting that the victim was seen in videos exiting a vehicle and crossing the road, where he was struck. The accused’s primary fault was not stopping and calling 911 immediately.

The potential sentence for reckless homicide ranges from 6 months to three years. However, Reyes noted that Mujica Zapata would likely not serve jail time, as her sentence would probably be suspended.

Accusation Against Mujica Zapata

The Public Ministry, represented by prosecutors Minerva Batista and Carmen Espinal Geo, accused Mujica Zapata of involuntary death due to reckless driving with a foreign license and evading responsibility post-accident. The crimes fall under articles 303 (section 5), 220, 207, 208, and 306 of the Mobility, Land Transportation, Traffic, and Road Safety Law.

The incident occurred on July 15 at around 11:30 p.m. Mujica Zapata allegedly hit Peralta while speeding near the General Directorate of Passport in the National District. After the accident, she allegedly abandoned the scene and provided false and delayed statements to authorities.

The Public Ministry’s evidence includes a police report, the victim’s death certificate, the vehicle’s license plate, testimonies, and other documents. The coercive measure is requested due to the accused’s lack of ties to the country and flight risk, as her Venezuelan passport expired in August 2022.

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James
June 20, 2024 10:13 am

The Dominican Republic has no laws. This is why it would always be a third world country. Sometimes I wonder if we were better off with el jefe. Dominican democracy is a joke

ChL
June 20, 2024 11:18 am
Reply to  James

No to the contrary they have em all in the books but not fully enforced by any means.

James
June 20, 2024 11:22 am
Reply to  ChL

What’s the point having laws. If they are not enforced. It’s a joke a lawless country.

jose MORENO
June 20, 2024 3:40 pm
Reply to  James

the law is being enforced in the correct manner.

Jason
June 20, 2024 9:20 pm
Reply to  jose MORENO

You are right, in her case it is not who she is, but who she knows….

Platano Frito
June 22, 2024 10:27 am

The only law in the DR is $$$$$$$$$$$$$. if you have $$$$$$$$. You are the law.