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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Officials said Perez was not wearing a seat belt.<\/p>\n
Days after the crash, Perez’s family spoke about their grief.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Perez’s family said Arceo-Tapia is an acquaintance and that they are seeking justice.<\/p>\n
“There is anger, and there is frustration, and there is, and there will be justice one way or another,” Amiryes Perez said.<\/p>\n
With the arraignment postponed, Perez’s family will have to wait until the next hearing on Oct. 7.<\/p>\n
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