DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – Gardnerville resident Rafael Cortez was killed in a three-vehicle crash on March 7, 2021, and now the man prosecutors say is responsible is heading to trial. The 5:11 p.m. crash occurred on US-50 at Mile Marker 3, the curve between Marla Bay and Zephyr Cove at Lake Tahoe.
Cortez, 52, was driving on US-50 with a passenger in his Toyota Tacoma when investigators say the driver of a Subaru Impreza, Alfred James Villalobos, 28, failed to maintain his lane.
The Nevada State Police, Highway Division, says Villalobos had a blood alcohol level of .154.
In their report, law enforcement says Villalobos’ Impreza was eastbound in the right lane on US-50 approaching Cortez’s Tacoma pickup. The Tacoma was also traveling eastbound on US-50 but in the left lane. They say Villalobos failed to maintain his travel lane and entered the left lane occupied by the Tacoma. The left front of the Subaru struck the right rear of the Tacoma. Both vehicles overturned and entered the westbound travel lanes in front of a couple in a Toyota Corolla.
Cortez died at the scene, his passenger was airlifted to Reno with severe injuries, and the couple in the Corolla was treated and released at the scene.
In court on Tuesday, Villalobos entered a plea of not guilty and will stand trial on May 3, 2023. He has been charged with counts of driving under the influence causing death and driving under the influence causing substantial bodily harm.