The preliminary hearing for two drivers accused of vehicular manslaughter while drag racing in Chula Vista was delayed Dec. 1 until Feb. 15, 2017.
Both drivers waived their right to have a speedy hearing in Chula Vista Superior Court. The charges involve the Oct. 8 death of passenger Sergio Ramirez, 22, who was killed following the 12:33 a.m. crash after two vehicles were drag racing on East H Street, according to Chula Vista Police.
Jose Molina Ramirez, 23, is not related to the victim, Sergio Ramirez, who was in the back seat of his car when it spun out of control at a reported speed of 100 mph. The car failed to negotiate a slight curve and it traveled over the center median and hit two Magnolia trees.
Jose Ramirez’s vehicle broke the trees in half and went into the opposing lanes of traffic, finally landing on the sidewalk of eastbound East H Street. Another passenger in the same car, Luke Lightbody, was injured.
The other alleged driver, Nicolas Daniel Nesbitt, 22, is also charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury to Lightbody, reckless driving, and engaging in an illegal motor vehicle speed contest.
Both drivers have pleaded not guilty. Jose Ramirez is free on $100,000 bond while Nesbitt remains free on his own recognizance.
