Mezmerize Atencio Killed, Estevan Chavez Arrested in Multi-Car Accident on Highway 528 [Rio Rancho, NM]

Mezmerize Atencio Killed, Estevan Chavez Detained in High-Speed Crash on Highway 528 Near Peggy Road Southeast

 
RIO RANCHO, NM (July 3, 2020) — A 12-year-old girl died in a high-speed multi-car accident on June 1 on Highway 528 near Peggy Road Southeast.
 
According to news reports, Rio Rancho police officers were called to the scene along Highway 528 around 3 p.m. Arriving officers found two cars involved, both of which sustained significant damage after one of the vehicles had taken down a light pole. Two other vehicles sustained moderate damage and their drivers, fortunately, evaded arm.
 
The accident unfolded when a red Monte Carlo, driven by Estevan Miguel Chavez, was captured by a dashcam driving southbound along the highway. The Monte Carol, traveling in the right-turn-only lane, veered left, nearly striking a raised curb. It then swept across all southbound lanes and struck a nearby Nissan Maxima in the far-left southbound lane.
 
According to an investigation into the Monte Carlo’s speed of travel, Chavez had been going about 103 miles per hour just five seconds before the crash, greatly surpassing the 45-mph speed limit along that part of the road.
 
As a result of the accident, Mezmerize Atencio — the 12-year-old passenger of the Nissan — died.
 
The unidentified 16-year-old driver of the Nissan, as well as Chavez, suffered serious injuries. Shortly thereafter, paramedics brought both to the University of New Mexico Hospital.
 
According to reports, police charged Chavez, of Moriarty, with vehicular homicide, great bodily harm, speeding and reckless driving.

Our condolences are with the friends and family of the victim during this heartbreaking time.

To hire a wrongful death attorney to represent your case, turn to Steve Mehr. We have tackled a myriad of wrongful death lawsuits like yours. Call (800) 625-5052. In addition, you can request a police report of the crash beforehand.