A horrific incident in Elmhurst, Queens, ended in tragedy when an intoxicated driver deliberately struck and killed a 16-year-old girl who had rejected his inappropriate advances.
According to the New York Post, Edwin Cruz-Gomez, 38, was charged with second-degree murder after fatally striking Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and 91st Street early Saturday morning. The incident occurred after Cruz-Gomez, who was heavily intoxicated and driving with a suspended license, made lewd sexual advances toward the teenager and her mother.
The tragic sequence of events began outside the Prima Donna restaurant, where Cruz-Gomez approached the victim and her family. Assistant District Attorney Abigail Neumiller revealed that the suspect propositioned the teenager and her mother with explicit sexual offers in exchange for money.
Violent Confrontation Leads to Fatal Decision
The inappropriate comments sparked an immediate physical altercation between Cruz-Gomez and the victim's stepfather. Social media videos captured the intense fight, showing the two men wrestling on the ground as bystanders attempted to intervene.
After the initial confrontation ended, the family attempted to leave the scene on foot. Cruz-Gomez, wearing a Louis Vuitton jacket, retrieved his fallen sneaker and headed toward his vehicle.
The situation escalated when Cruz-Gomez, driving a gray Chevy Suburban, pursued the family. The suspect made the deliberate decision to mount the sidewalk and strike the unsuspecting teenager.
Devastating Impact Shocks Community
Video footage shows the horrifying moment when Cruz-Gomez's vehicle pinned Gomez-Alvarez against a pole. The teen's mother can be heard crying "Mija!" - Spanish for "my daughter" - as she knelt beside her fatally injured child.
Emergency medical services pronounced the teenager dead at the scene. The victim's mother sustained leg injuries and was transported to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where she was listed in stable condition.
Following the collision, family members desperately attempted to stop Cruz-Gomez by banging on his car windows. The suspect fled the scene by driving the wrong way down a one-way street.
Legal Proceedings and Serious Charges
Cruz-Gomez later made incriminating statements to authorities about the incident. He admitted to following the family after the initial confrontation while attempting to minimize his actions.
During his Sunday night arraignment in Queens Criminal Court, Cruz-Gomez faced multiple serious charges. These included second-degree murder, three counts of attempted murder, assault charges, and various DUI-related offenses.
The judge ordered Cruz-Gomez to be held without bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for Friday. If convicted, the suspect could face 25 years to life in prison.
Impact of Alcohol-Fueled Violence
The senseless death of Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez highlights the devastating consequences of drunk driving and sexual harassment. The teenager's life was cut short after rejecting unwanted advances from an intoxicated stranger.
Cruz-Gomez's decision to drive while extremely intoxicated and with a suspended license demonstrates a complete disregard for public safety. His actions resulted in the death of an innocent teenager and traumatized her family members, who witnessed the horrific incident.
The case will proceed through the Queens criminal justice system, where prosecutors will seek to hold Cruz-Gomez accountable for his actions. The community continues to grapple with the shocking loss of a young life due to alcohol-fueled violence and harassment.
