A man pleaded guilty in a single-vehicle crash in North Bethesda that killed two teens in 2023.
Jean-Pierre Velasco, 21, of Wheaton, pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter by motor vehicle for the deaths of Kailey Briana Vigil and Leslie Kristin Ventura, who were both 19 years old, according to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office (MCSAO) on Wednesday.
He faces up to eight years in prison per the plea agreement. Sentencing is scheduled for April 7.
The crash happened at Montrose Road and Hitching Post Lane in March 2023. According to MCSAO, Velasco was driving a car with four passengers when he lost control on the wet road following rain, struck the center median curb, went back into the road, struck the right curb, and went across the grass and sidewalk hitting fixed objects before hitting a metal light pole, where the car stopped.
A blood sample from Velasco contained a blood alcohol content level of .10, according to MCSAO. A police investigation found that he was going 57-73 mph, and the speed limit was 40 mph.
Ventura was pronounced dead at the scene and Vigil died in the hospital two days after the crash.
