Wrong-Way DUI Driver Accused of Killing Teen Couple in Fiery I-15 Crash After Admitting He Was Not Safe to Drive
SALT LAKE COUNTY, UTAH — A Utah man is facing automobile homicide charges after police say he drove the wrong way on Interstate 15 while drunk, crashing head-on into a car carrying a teen couple whose vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. Both victims — 18-year-old Leo Shepherd and 17-year-old Anneka Wilson — were pronounced dead at the scene.
Suspect Admitted on Scene: “No, I Don’t Feel Safe Driving”
The crash happened shortly after midnight on Saturday, when 21-year-old Jose Angel Torres Jimenez, who was reportedly driving on only a learner’s permit, drove his Audi SQ5 southbound in the northbound lanes of I-15, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.
Court documents say that when a state trooper asked Jimenez whether he felt safe to be driving, he responded: “No.”
Impact Left Teen Victims Trapped in Burning Vehicle
Moments after entering the wrong lanes, Jimenez allegedly collided head-on with a Nissan Rogue driven by Shepherd. The force of the crash caused the teens’ vehicle to become “fully engulfed in flames,” killing both victims.
Wilson and Shepherd were later identified by grieving family members. Wilson’s brother told KUTV his sister was preparing to graduate high school and study radiology, saying, “We’ve lost two beautiful young souls to yet another DUI, and things need to change.”
Police: Suspect Showed Strong Signs of Intoxication
A responding trooper said that when he opened Jimenez’s door, he immediately detected a strong smell of alcohol. Court documents describe Jimenez as having slurred speech, glassy and bloodshot eyes, and extremely relaxed facial features.
During a field sobriety test, Jimenez allegedly stumbled and admitted he had been drinking earlier in the night.
Charges: Automobile Homicide and DUI Violations
Jimenez was arrested on the scene and later charged with:
- Two counts of automobile homicide
- Driving under the influence
- Violation of a learner’s permit
He was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail, where he remains as the investigation continues.
Community Mourning Two Promising Lives
Family members say the teens were inseparable and full of plans for the future. Loved ones are calling for stronger DUI prevention measures following the crash.
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