Delaware State Police
News Release

Released- Saturday, May 24, 2008

Georgetown- The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit from Troop 7 has learned the names of three occupants of the Suburban killed in the car crash from May the 3rd on State Route 9 at State Route 30. As one may recall, these three subjects suffered significant burns which greatly hampered identification efforts. Unfortunately, because of their undocumented status here in the United States, their exact ages are not available. They were all believed to have been staying in the Gerogetown area. Family members in their home country of Guatemala have been notified. Their names are as follows:

- Adrian Lopez-Garcia (passenger)

- Aroldo Audencio Ortiz-Morales (passenger)

- Noe Gonzalo Mendez-Perez (driver)

Toxicology reports confirm that the driver, Mendez-Perez, had a blood alcohol level above the state's legal limit.

This is the final release in reference to this incident, however, the investigation is ongoing.

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Updated Release- Fatal Crash Near Georgetown Claims Four Lives

Released- Sunday, May 4, 2008

Georgetown- The following information outlines the initial facts of this investigation as ascertained by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.

A 1999 Pontiac Grand Am (operated by an unknown Hispanic male) was stopped at the red light on eastbound State Route 9 at State Route 30. A 2001 Chrysler Seibring (operated by Rolanda Ayers, 29, of Lewes, DE) was stopped behind the Pontiac. A 2001 Chevrolet Suburban (operated by an unknown subject) approached the intersection as the light turned green and failed to slow down for stopped traffic. The Chevrolet struck the rear of the Seibring as it began to pull away from the light. The Seibring was forced eastbound and struck the rear of the Grand AM. The Seibring continued in a southwest direction and went off the roadway- rolling over several times before it came to a stop.

A 1996 GMC pickup (operated by William Low, 30, of Georgetown, DE) and a Dodge Stratus (operated by Terrance Palmer, 21, of Georgetown) were traveling westbound on State Route 9 at the time of the initial crash. Now after the initial impact, the Suburban continued forward, crossed the center of the road and into the westbound lanes where it then struck the GMC head on. The Suburban then rolled over and caught fire. The final impact involved the Pontiac Grand AM and the Dodge Stratus.

The operator of the Grand Am fled the scene after the crash. He has not been identified.

Three occupants in the Suburban died as a result of this crash. They were not identifiable and investigators are working to learn who they are.

Ms. Ayers also died as a result of this crash. Her family has been notified.

The roadway closed for 4 hours and this investigation is ongoing.

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Preliminary Release- Fatal Crash Near Georgetown

Released- Saturday, May 3, 2008

Georgetown- The following is a preliminary release concerning a fatal crash near Georgetown. At approximately 8:00 p.m. this evening, a multi vehicle crash occurred on State Route 9 at Route 30. This incident involved at least five vehicles and one of these vehicles is believed to have fled the scene. Four people are confirmed deceased and this number may rise. One of the cars was fully engulfed in flames and has since been extinguished.

The media’s consideration in this matter is greatly appreciated and the complexity of this incident has made it difficult to ascertain additional details. There are multiple investigators on the scene and the dynamics of this crash are expected to be released in the morning.

No further information will be released tonight.