Tucson family feels justice is 'finally being served' more than three years after son died in crash

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A Tucson family who waited years for an arrest in their loved one’s case is breathing a little easier now that charges have officially been filed.

20-year-old Luie Torres died in a crash early September 27, 2021.

Arizona DPS said Luie was driving on Interstate 10 near Grant when he was struck and killed by a driver under the influence of marijuana.

But if 13 News has reported, It took years for the Pima County Prosecutor’s Office to file charges. The case was transferred to another prosecutor and the evidence had to be reviewed.

After a long battle, the PCAO officially filed negligent homicide charges against Jeremiah de Lauer.

He was in court Wednesday for a case management conference and will appear in court for a pretrial conference on Dec. 4.

The Torres family released a statement to 13 News saying, “The family would like to say thank you Maria Coleman and the Channel 13 team for their support in obtaining justice for my son Luie Torres. It has been very difficult for the family, but we are getting justice and know there are many families in the same situation. We want you to know that we have not given up on getting justice.”

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