Two unlicensed teen drivers accused of engaging in a street race that killed a 15-year-old girl in Aurora were formally advised of the criminal charges against them in an Arapahoe County courtroom Thursday.
One of the drivers is accused of driving drunk when the accident occurred.
Mauro Damian Najera, 18, was charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, underage possession and consumption of alcohol, participating in a speed contest, reckless driving, driving without a license, and driving under the influence of alcohol by a person under 21.
Jose Aurelio Garcia-Felix, 18, was charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, participating in a speed contest, reckless driving, and driving without a license.
Guadalupe Sanchez, 15, a passenger in the Plymouth Breeze that Najera was driving, was killed in the April 28 accident after the car rolled five times.
Diana Garcia, 15, another passenger in Najera’s car, was treated for serious injuries and sent home from a hospital this week.
Garcia-Felix was driving a Pontiac Grand Am when he and Najera collided. Police estimate the drivers were going about 80 mph.
Aurora police had ticketed Najera a half-hour before the crash for an improper and careless lane change in front of Summit Elementary School, about 8 miles south of the accident site.
Two more unlicensed teen drivers have been cited in connection with the street race and crash, which occurred in the 1300 block of Airport Boulevard in Aurora.
German Vasquez, 18, a former Montbello High School student, and a 17-year-old boy who attends the high school were issued summonses for reckless driving, engaging in a speed contest and driving without a valid license.
Garcia-Felix is due back in court June 2 for a preliminary hearing.
Information on Najera’s next court appearance was unavailable.
Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-820-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com.
