No Charges Filed in Crash that Killed Superintendent
The investigation into the Feb. 25 crash that claimed the life of Las Cruces Public Schools Superintendent Karen Trujillo is complete and police have determined that no charges will be filed against the driver.
About 5:35 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, Las Cruces police were dispatched to the report of a crash on the 1200 block of Edgewood Avenue. Traffic investigators learned a Nissan Quest minivan was traveling west on Edgewood when it struck Trujillo who was walking her two dogs.
The 18-year-old driver, the sole occupant of the minivan, remained on scene and has been cooperative with police. Trujillo, 50, was transported to Mountainview Regional Medical Center where she succumbed to her injuries.
Traffic investigators determined the Nissan Quest minivan was traveling within a safe range of speed for the roadway where the crash occurred. The speed limit for Edgewood Avenue is posted at 25 miles per hour. The investigation revealed that Trujillo was walking in the roadway and in the same direction of travel as the minivan. Investigators also believe Trujillo was wearing earbuds and was likely unable to hear the vehicle approaching.
The driver of the minivan claimed his direction of travel was toward the setting sun and he was unable to see the pedestrian. Investigators determined his statement was valid given the time of day. Investigators believe the driver’s ability to avoid the crash would have been difficult or impossible.
Because no charges have been filed, the Las Cruces Police Department will not publicly release the name of the driver.
