An illegal migrantaccused of killing a fatherand injuring an elderly woman duringa police chase in Orange Countyappeared stricken while trying to hide his face in court on Thursday.
Colombian national Darwin Felipe Bahamon Martinez, 21, who had been set free bythe Biden administration, allegedly killed a 59-year-old man and injured an 83-year-old woman during a January 21 police pursuit.
During a preliminary hearing in Orange County Superior Court, Martinez flashed a look of fear as a sheriff’s deputy led him into a cage in the courtroom and locked him inside.
Martinez hid himself behind the cage barrier, out of sight of attorneys, the judge and court audience. At one point during the three-minute hearing, he covered his face with a brown envelope.
Martinez appeared nervous but was able to answer as Judge Fernando Valle began questioning him about his upcoming court dates.
When Valle asked Martinez if he understood the charges, Martinez replied: “Yes.”
Prosecutors said patrol cops in Placentia saw Martinez drive his dark-colored Jeep Gladiator recklessly and nearly ram a parked car, prompting them to attempt a traffic stop.
Instead, Martinez allegedly took off. After a three-minute chase, he plowed into at least two additional cars — killing beloved father Jose Antonio Ramos Hernandez and injuring the 83-year-old woman, according to police.
Martinez is currently being held on $2 million bail after pleading not guilty to charges of gross vehicular manslaughter, evading a police officer causing death and reckless driving.
He is next due in court on July 7.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
