New Details Revealed About Crash That Killed 3 High School Girls, Including How a Parent Helped Identify Ex-Boyfriend as Suspect

From left: Yaritzi Flores-Romero; Melissa Romero-Espinoza; Iris Ramos Cruz<br>Credit: GoFundMe (2)

NEED TO KNOW

A parent of one of the three high school crash victims helped authorities link an ex-boyfriend to the fatal collision

Presiliano Perez-Pineda, 19, was arrested on three counts of vehicular homicide, including one count with a domestic violence designation because of his prior relationship with one of the girls

“The parent confronted Presiliano and also saw the vehicle had damage to the front end,” according to a probable cause affidavit

A parent of one of the three high school girls killed in a violent Washington state crash that sent them into a canal helped authorities link an ex-boyfriend to the collision, according to a probable cause affidavit.

On Sunday, April 26, deputies responded to a report of a rollover collision near Bench Road in Othello, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. “Upon arrival, three occupants were found deceased after being ejected during the crash, and the vehicle was recovered from an irrigation canal,” officials wrote.

Based on surveillance footage, witness accounts and their own investigation, authorities said a second vehicle, a white Mercedes, was involved — and that driver Presiliano Perez-Pineda, 19, had since been arrested.

Although the girls have not been named by officials, separate online fundraising campaigns identified them as Yaritzi “Yari” Flores-Romero, Melissa Romero-Espinoza and Iris Ramos Cruz, CBS affiliate KREM reported. All three of the girls were 15 years old, according to TheSpokesman-Review.

According to a probable cause affidavit, which was obtained by PEOPLE, while speaking with officials during the next of kin identification process, one of their parents told an investigator that Perez-Pineda had previously been in a relationship with one of the victims.

“The parent went to Presiliano’s residence prior to the next of kin notification and saw the vehicle matching the one on surveillance recovered earlier in the investigation at the property,” according to the affidavit. “The parent confronted Presiliano and also saw the vehicle had damage to the front end.”

The documents allege that Presiliano said he had been driving, but “claimed his vehicle was hit” by the girls’ Chevy Silverado. However, according to the affidavit, during an interview with a deputy, Presiliano admitted to the crash, saying he “didn’t want to stay at the scene because he didn’t want to go to jail.”

Officials said they believed Presiliano, who did not report the incident or call 911, caused their deaths and operated his vehicle with “disregard for the safety of others.”

The vehicle Presiliano was driving was registered to his brother.

Speaking with investigators, the brother said the car was gone when he woke up that morning, but he didn’t immediately think anything of it since he allows his family to drive it. “Shortly before law enforcement arrived at his residence…Presiliano [said] he damaged the vehicle and he would pay him back,” the affidavit alleged.

Presiliano has since been booked on three counts of vehicular homicide, including one count with a domestic violence designation because of his prior relationship with one of the girls.

In their latest statement, the sheriff’s office said he had appeared in Adams County Superior Court and that his bail was set at $1,000,000 during the hearing.

When reached by PEOPLE on Friday, May 1, officials said they had no updates to share.

Following the crash, the Othello School District confirmed in a Facebook post on Monday, April 27, that Yaritzi, Melissa and Iris were students at Othello High School.

“Our hearts are with their families, friends, and all who knew and loved them,” Superintendent Dr. Pete Perez said. “This loss is being felt across our schools and throughout our community, and we recognize that many are grieving.”

“We have been in contact with the families and will continue to support them during this incredibly difficult time,” Perez continued.