Trial for driver in Ringold fatal crash moved to Dec. 16

The trial for an Othello man charged with killing a 12-year-old passenger when his van rolled over on a rural road has been moved to Dec. 16.

Celerino Leon Martinez, 48, has waived his right to a speedy trial and agreed to a 2 1/2 -month delay.

Leon Martinez is charged in Franklin County Superior Court with vehicular homicide.

Initially he was accused of driving while under the influence of alcohol, but the felony charge was amended to allege the fatal crash was the result of driving in a reckless manner.

He posted bond Aug. 24 and was released from the Franklin County jail, one week after Judge Vic VanderSchoor reduced his bail amount to $10,000 from $100,000.

While the case is pending, Leon Martinez is ordered not to travel outside of Benton and Franklin counties.

Leon Martinez reportedly was driving from Othello to work in Pasco early June 16 when he tried to pass a Saturn in a no-passing zone on Road 170 near Ringold. His van ended up smashing into the car as it was turning left at an intersection.

Josue Cruz was thrown from the Ford van as it rolled several times. The boy died at the scene.

Leon Martinez told Franklin County sheriff’s Detective Jason Nunez that he lost control of the van while trying to pass, court documents said.

Deputies and Washington State Patrol troopers who responded to the scene found an empty Budweiser can near the van, along with a cooler of ice and full cans of beer and soda, documents show.

Leon Martinez and the four other passengers — who were between the ages of 15 and 17 — were treated at a Tri-City hospital.

This story was originally published September 27, 2015 at 8:36 PM with the headline "Trial for driver in Ringold fatal crash moved to Dec. 16."