Full Breakdown
Driver Withdraws Guilty Plea in Fatal Wrong-Way Crash Involving Los Angeles Sheriff’s Recruits
5/10/2026, 11:08:05 PM
The Rescinded Plea and Its Immediate Context
Nicholas Gutierrez of Diamond Bar withdrew his guilty plea on Saturday after more than a dozen sheriff’s-recruit victims spoke in court. Attorney Alexandra Kazarian cited Gutierrez’s seizure-disorder diagnosis as the basis for the withdrawal, and the judge noted a one-year jail term pending trial.
Background: 2022 Wrong-Way Collision in Whittier
On November 16, 2022, Gutierrez drove an SUV into the opposite lane on a Whittier road, striking a formation of Los Angeles County sheriff’s recruits on a morning run. Authorities said he likely fell asleep.
Key Figures
The driver is Nicholas Gutierrez, a Diamond Bar resident. He is represented by attorney Alexandra Kazarian. Recruit Alejandro Martinez died from injuries, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department employed the 25 recruits involved.
Timeline of Events
Nov 16, 2022 – Wrong-way crash injures 25 recruits.
Eight months later – Recruit Alejandro Martinez dies.
May 9, 2026 – Gutierrez withdraws his guilty plea after victims testify; the judge notes a one-year jail term.
Legal Stakes: Charges, Original Deal, and New Proceedings
Gutierrez was charged with one count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and nine counts of reckless driving causing injuries. The original plea called for an eight-year suspended sentence and five-year probation. By withdrawing, the case now proceeds to trial, allowing a possible conviction and harsher penalty.
Official Statements & Responses
The district attorney’s office did not respond to a request for comment. Law enforcement reiterated that the driver likely fell asleep, causing the wrong-way entry. Kazarian stressed the seizure-disorder diagnosis as the reason for contesting the plea.
Criticism & Opposition from Victims
Over a dozen victims testified, saying the suspended-sentence deal was inadequate given the severe injuries and a recruit’s death.
Data & Statistics
The crash struck 25 recruits; 10 were seriously injured, including the fatality; one recruit, Alejandro Martinez, died; charges include one count of vehicular manslaughter and nine counts of reckless driving.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Both sources agree on victim numbers, injuries, and the driver’s diagnosis; no contradictory data were found, and the district attorney’s comment remains unavailable.
Verbatim Quotes
> “Based on the fact that he has been diagnosed with a seizure disorder, we have withdrawn the plea and will go to trial,” — Alexandra Kazarian, Attorney
What’s Next
The trial is scheduled for later in 2026. If convicted, Gutierrez could face imprisonment beyond the suspended term, with the court also addressing penalties tied to his seizure-disorder claim.
