A 42-year-old Lexington woman accused in a motor vehicle pedestrian death last week, was arraigned in Dawson County Court Monday morning. Vilma Almanza-Siles is charged with Motor Vehicle Homicide involving driving under the influence, Driving Under the Influence- First Offense and No Operator’s License. County Court Judge Tanya Roberts-Connick said Motor Vehicle Homicide is a Class II Felony and carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment. She set her preliminary hearing for June 20, 2024 at 11:00am.
At approximately 4:30 a.m. Sunday June 2, 2024, Lexington Police Officers responded to a traffic accident involving a pedestrian in the southeast area of the city according to a news release. Upon arrival, Officers with Lexington Fire & Rescue immediately provided emergency aid. The pedestrian identified as 38-year-old Yuniesky Diaz-Gomez, was transported by Lexington Rescue to the Lexington Regional Health Center, with life-threatening injuries. Diaz-Gomez later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigations at the scene revealed the driver of the vehicle, identified as Almanza-Siles, was in a relationship with Diaz-Gomez. Witnesses reported that the two engaged in an argument upon their arrival home, during which Almanza-Siles attempted to leave. Diaz-Gomez stepped in front of the vehicle in an attempt to prevent her from leaving and was struck by the moving vehicle.
Defense Attorney Brian Davis requested a bond hearing for his client, who had been held without bond since the accident. Chief Deputy Dawson County Attorney Garrett Goodwin asked for “a reasonable bond”. He cited Almanza-Siles’ lack of a criminal history but, not sure how long she has been in the United Sates.
Davis told Judge Roberts-Connick that the case would have been a misdemeanor had it not been for the presence of alcohol. He said his client was engaged with Diaz-Gomez and that they had planned a future together. Davis said she had multiple family members in the area and would turn her passport in as part of bond conditions.
Judge Roberts-Connick noted Almanza-Siles had some ties to Lexington but had not been in the community long. She set bond at 10% of $100,000 with conditions. The bond was soon posted and Almanza-Siles was released from the Dawson County Jail.
The Lexington Police Department investigation is ongoing and were aided at the scene by Lexington Volunteer Fire Department and the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office.
