News Releases

Driver Arrested Following Fatal Pedestrian Collision

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Gaithersburg, MD - A Rockville man faces manslaughter charges following a fatal pedestrian collision on Veirs Mill Road in December of 2023.

Jose Isaac Zelaya was arrested on Friday, May 3, 2024, for allegedly striking and killing 70-year-old Teresa Moreno De Mejia, of Rockville.  On Tuesday, December 26, Moreno De Mejia was crossing Veirs Mill Road at Atlantic Avenue when she was hit by Zelaya, who was driving a Toyota Supra.

After the collision, Moreno De Mejia was hit by a second vehicle. Both drivers remained at the scene.

Through the course of the investigation, Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit detectives determined that Zelaya was driving over the marked speed limit when he struck and killed Moreno De Mejia.

The 24-year-old has been charged with negligent driving, driving vehicle on highway at speed exceeding limit, driving vehicle in excess of reasonable and prudent speed on highway, driver failure to exercise due care to avoid pedestrian collision and manslaughter by vehicle – criminal negligence.

This remains an active investigation. The driver of the second vehicle has not been charged. 

 

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Release ID: 24-191
Media Contact: S.D. Goff 
Categories: arrest