FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A 32-year-old driver accused of being under the influence in a crash that killed a 19-year-old passenger appeared in court Wednesday, where a judge postponed his arraignment until Oct. 7.
Arianna Perez died Sept. 10 after the car she was riding in went nearly 60 feet down a cliff off Highway 168 near Littlefield Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. Two other people in the vehicle survived: Perez’s boyfriend and the driver, Ricardo Arceo-Tapia.
Officials said Perez was not wearing a seat belt.
Days after the crash, Perez’s family spoke about their grief.
“17 years is not enough. 17 years would never be enough, and you know I’m just never gonna get to see her again,” said her sister, Amiryes Perez.
During Wednesday’s court hearing, members of Perez’s family became emotional as the judge agreed to delay Arceo-Tapia’s arraignment. His current attorney said Arceo-Tapia is in the process of hiring private counsel.
Officials believe Arceo-Tapia was under the influence when the crash occurred. Court documents show he was already on probation for a separate DUI conviction he received less than a month ago.
Perez’s family said Arceo-Tapia is an acquaintance and that they are seeking justice.
“There is anger, and there is frustration, and there is, and there will be justice one way or another,” Amiryes Perez said.
With the arraignment postponed, Perez’s family will have to wait until the next hearing on Oct. 7.
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