Rutherford County, TN - Miguel Medina Issac, the suspect accused of causing a fatal head-on collision in Murfreesboro last week, is set to make one of his initial court appearances for a hearing next week. Issac faces a charge of Vehicular Homicide by Driver Intoxication following the tragic crash that claimed the life of 51-year-old Maria Valadez. The court proceedings for the defendant are currently under the jurisdiction of Judge Ben Bennett, with the first criminal hearing scheduled for next Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
The upcoming court appearance marks a significant step in the legal process, although it is anticipated to be one of many as the case progresses toward a trial. As of now, no trial date has been announced, but 51-year-old Issac's presence in court next week will at least signify the beginning of formal proceedings.
The Vehicular Homicide charge Issac faces is a Class B felony, carrying a potential sentence of 8 to 30 years in a Tennessee prison if found guilty. Court documents reveal that Issac, a resident of Columbia, TN, will be represented by a public defender during the legal proceedings.
Reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol show the fatal crash occurred last Wednesday night around 8:45 PM on Highway 231 North (Lebanon Highway) near the York VA Medical Center, that according to the preliminary report released by the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Issac attempted to pass another vehicle when his 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe collided head-on with a small Toyota Corolla driven by Maria Valadez of Shelbyville. Valadez tragically lost her life as a result of the accident.
Mrs. Valadez, born in La Riberia Jalisco, Mexico, leaves behind her husband Juan Carlos Garcia Marquez, four children, and seven younger siblings. A resident of Shelbyville, TN, she was known for her work at various factories and her talent for crafting and selling jewelry. Described as perpetually happy, generous, and outgoing, Mrs. Valadez's untimely passing has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew her.
Funeral services for Mrs. Valadez were held at Doak-Howell Funeral Home, with her final resting place at Willow Mount Cemetery on Monday, February 12, 2024. See obituary HERE.
The upcoming court appearance will serve as a crucial moment in the pursuit of justice for the loss of Maria Valadez's life. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing story as it continues to unfold. Previous news story HERE.
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