AnonymousBy the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office
Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce E. Dudley announced today that Javier Artemio Cortes Cortes pled guilty to the murder of Madison Coleman and Monica Gonzalez, in violation of Penal Code section 187, and to driving under the influence causing great bodily injury to Makayla Everhart and Kimberly Olivo, in violation of Vehicle Code section 23153 with the enhancement pursuant to Penal Code section 12022.7. Under California law a driver can be charged with murder under these circumstances when the evidence supports they acted with knowledge and reckless disregard for human life.
On March 15, 2019 Javier Artemio Cortes Cortes drank alcohol at a party. By all appearances he had too much to drink, and in spite of being offered a place to stay for the night; he decided to drive home under the influence of alcohol. Although he made it home safely he then decided to leave his home while still under the influence of alcohol. He then proceeded to drive over 100 miles per hour down Donovan Street in the City of Santa Maria. At 3:00 a.m. on March 16, 2019, the defendant ran a red light at the intersection of Donovan and Miller Streets at speeds over 100 mph. Madison Coleman was driving a Jeep Cherokee with her three friends inside, Monica Gonzalez, Makayla Everhart and Kimberly Olivo. She proceeded slowly into the intersection on a green light when she was broadsided by defendant at a speed over 100 mph.
Javier Artemio Cortes Cortes (courtesy)
Despite wearing seatbelts, Monica Gonzalez and Kimberly Olivo were ejected from the Jeep. Twenty year old Monica Gonzalez died at the scene. Seventeen year old Madison Coleman was transported to Marian Medical Center, where she also died from her traumatic injuries. Eighteen year old Kimberly Olivo was transported to Cottage Hospital, where she survived after having undergone extensive surgeries over a significant period of time. Twenty year old Makayla Everhart was transported to Marian Medical Center, having suffered great bodily injuries, she too survived.
District Attorney Joyce Dudley said, “The prosecution team lead by Deputy District Attorney Madison Whitmore and Deputy District Attorney Stephen Wagner worked diligently on every detail of this case for an extended period of time, including ensuring that the survivors and the families of the deceased voices were heard throughout these proceedings. In addition to the prosecution team I want to personally commend the Santa Maria Police Department on a thorough investigation and the California Highway Patrol accident reconstruction expert for their careful evaluation of the evidence. This plea is merely just another step towards healing for all of the families whose lives have been forever tragically altered.”
It is expected that the Defendant will be sentence 21 year to life in State Prison after he is sentenced on November 16, 2022 at 1:30 p.m
