Suspect in double fatal crash awaiting charges

The man charged in the Fourth of July tragedy in Las Vegas that killed two members of a family and seriously injured a third -- a 12-year-old girl who is still hospitalized -- will be arraigned July 16 in Justice Court.

Antonio Aguayo, 29, made his first court appearance Wednesday, but Justice of the Peace Nancy Oesterle postponed his arraignment to give prosecutors time to gather the evidence and determine what charges should be filed.

Aguayo will be held in jail until then.

Deputy District Attorney Gary Booker said the charges likely will include three counts each of drunken driving, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident. Two charges of involuntary manslaughter also are expected to be filed.

"It was a hell of a crash," Booker said.

Blanca Machado, 51, was killed when Aguayo's pickup truck slammed into her and the two other victims. Norma Machado, 24, was knocked into a parked car. She died several hours later.

Twelve-year-old Erika Fernandez survived the incident that killed her grandmother and aunt as they were preparing to set off fireworks at about 8:30 p.m.

Booker blamed the accident on alcohol and reckless driving. Aguayo's blood-alcohol was tested after his arrest at 0.12 percent -- above the 0.10 percent necessary to prove drunken driving.

The truck jumped the curb and hit the trio and a parked car on Tillamook Avenue before sliding to a halt at Longfellow Street.

Booker said Aguayo attempted to flee the area on foot but was grabbed by neighbors and held until police arrived.

In court Wednesday Booker gave Aguayo formal notice that the district attorney's office was taking the case to a Clark County grand jury for an indictment, rather than conducting a Justice Court preliminary hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence for a trial.

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