Man Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal Hit-and-Run
A Glendale man accused of causing a fatal accident and running away has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run.
The man, Jorge Ayala, 20, could face seven years in prison if he is convicted.
His father, Juan Ayala, 53, pleaded not guilty to charges of being an accessory after the accident. If convicted, the elder Ayala could be sentenced to up to three years in prison.
Prosecutors said Jorge Ayala on Jan. 3 sped through a stop sign at East Elk Avenue and Everett Street and crashed into a car, killing its driver and passenger.
Karapet Khajehtorians, 57, was pronounced dead at the scene. His daughter, Janice, 22, was pronounced dead on arrival at Glendale Adventist Hospital.
Juan Ayala told investigators that the car had been stolen earlier. But, witnesses said, they saw Jorge flee, police said.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 16. Both men are in custody with bail set at $50,000.
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