News Details
UPDATE #1: Fatality Accident – Jimmy Carter Boulevard at Singleton Road
Update #1, 03/21/2019: Yesterday evening (03/20/2019), Diego Romero was booked into the Gwinnett County Jail.
Original, 03/20/2019: (Norcross, Georgia) The Gwinnett County Police Department Accident Investigation Unit is investigating a fatality accident that occurred on early Sunday morning. The accident occurred on March 17, at around 3 AM on Jimmy Carter Boulevard at the intersection with Singleton Road in unincorporated Norcross.
Based on the preliminary investigation, Diego Romero (age 31, Lawrenceville) was traveling westbound on Jimmy Carter Boulevard approaching the intersection with Singleton Road in the left lane. He was driving a silver Lexus LS400.
Manuel Esteves-Sabino (age 37, Duluth) was stopped at the intersection of Jimmy Carter Boulevard westbound at the Singleton Road traffic light in the middle lane. He was driving a grey Toyota Corolla.
As Diego was approaching the intersection, he attempted to change lanes to the middle lane. The front of his vehicle struck the rear of Manuel’s vehicle. Both vehicles rotated and came to rest in the southbound lanes of Singleton Road.
Both Diego and Manuel sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
Based on the severity of the injuries, the Accident Investigation Unit (AIU) was dispatched to the scene to continue the investigation. An officer assigned to the AIU traveled to the hospital to check on the status of both drivers. While there, he discovered that Diego was likely under the influence of alcohol.
Though Diego’s injuries were serious, Manuel’s injuries were considered life-threatening.
Both vehicles were impounded to Gwinnett County Police Headquarters for further analysis.
Following the preliminary investigation, Diego was charged with Reckless Driving, DUI, Serious Injury by Vehicle, Following too Closely. Following his release from the hospital, he will be booked into the Gwinnett County Jail.
On Monday, March 18, Manuel Esteves-Sabino was declared brain dead. Diego is now facing a warrant for Homicide by Vehicle (1st Degree).
