The driver charged with causing the Sept. 18, 2023, Rt. 28 crash that took the life of a semi-truck driver pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter during a Circuit Court hearing Thursday.
Under the plea, Jose Antonio Padilla Espinoza, 19, of Charlotte, NC, faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
According to a proffer of evidence presented during the March 7 hearing before Judge Matthew P. Snow, Virginia Department of Transportation highway camera footage shows the Nissan Altima driven by Padilla Espinoza and another vehicle driving “extremely fast” on the highway before the crash. It also captures Padilla Espinoza making an improper lane change, striking the semi-truck and causing it to crash. The data recording in Padilla Espinoza’s car showed him reaching speeds up to 111 miles per hour prior to the crash.
The truck overturned and caught fire. The truck driver, Cesar Yepez, was severely injured and was airlifted to The Burn Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The 33-year-old husband and father of two died from his injuries two weeks later.
As part of the plea agreement, three misdemeanors—reckless driving over 85 miles per hour, altering or forging a license plate, and aggressive driving—and two infractions—improper lane change and improper passing will not be prosecuted.
Prior to the guilty plea, Padilla Espinoza was set for a three-day jury trial starting April 1.
Now, a sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 20.
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