NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Investigators in the nearby metropolitan of Nashville have arrested Orlin Argueta-Zuniga, 29, for his alleged role in assisting his uncle, Walter Daneris Zuniga, 39, after a tragic hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of 10-year-old Emily Sanchez-Ramirez. Authorities placed Argueta-Zuniga, the nephew – into their custody on Wednesday evening and reported the uncle, Walter Zuniga, struck Sanchez-Ramirez and her mother on October 5 as the mother and daughter rode a scooter in the bike lane along Nolensville Pike, according to police.
After the crash, police say that Zuniga abandoned the red Nissan Sentra involved in the incident and fled to avoid accountability. The car was later found hidden at the Radnor Street home shared by Zuniga and his nephew, Argueta-Zuniga.
Police revealed that Zuniga went to work one last time before escaping. His paycheck was issued in his nephew’s name, which Argueta-Zuniga cashed in Atlanta. Using the money, he purchased a bus ticket to Texas, helping Zuniga cross the U.S. border into Mexico and continue his journey to Honduras.
In a report released by Metro PD, they show that Argueta-Zuniga voluntarily met with investigators earlier this week and admitted to helping his uncle evade authorities. He is now facing charges of accessory after the fact and false reporting to hinder the investigation. Argueta-Zuniga remains in custody on a $7,500 bond as police continue efforts to bring his uncle back to the U.S.
Meanwhile, Laura Ramirez-Gonzalez, the mother of Emily Sanchez-Ramirez, remains in stable condition at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Her recovery continues as the search for justice unfolds. The investigation remains active as authorities work with border officials to locate Zuniga. Detectives have vowed to hold those responsible accountable and are urging anyone with information about Zuniga’s whereabouts to come forward.
- See previous news story HERE.
SOURCE: Metro Nashville PD
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