- Melissa Powell and her teenage son Riordan died after a collision on December 12 in Broomfield, Colorado
- Jose Menjivar has since been charged with driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter
- Previous court records have revealed that Menjivar has been convicted of driving under the influence in the past and had his driver's license revoked
A mother and her teenage son were killed in a car crash, and police have arrested the man who was allegedly driving drunk – a suspect who has three prior drunk-driving convictions.
On Thursday, the District Attorney's Office for Colorado's 17th Judicial District announced formal charges against 37-year-old Jose Menjivar.
Menjivar is accused of causing a crash in Broomfield on Dec. 12 that killed Melissa Powell, 46, and her son Riordan, 16.
Court records viewed by News9 show Menjivar has previously pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and has been convicted three times.
According to an affidavit, Menjivar was allegedly driving between 80 and 100 miles per hour in a 40 mph zone when he collided with the Powells.
Menjivar was allegedly driving in a 40 zone at a speed between 80 and 100 miles per hour when he collided with the Powells
Menjivar is accused of causing a crash in Broomfield on Dec. 12 that killed Melissa Powell, 46, and her son Riordan, 16. Both are pictured
The affidavit states that Menjivar was behind the wheel of a pickup truck at the time and was seen passing several vehicles.
The pickup truck allegedly struck Powell's vehicle “front to side,” causing the vehicle to crash into a tree.
Menjivar was taken to a hospital for injuries, with officers noting an “overwhelming odor of an unknown alcoholic beverage.”
According to the affidavit, officers found at least two empty beer cans and an open beer crate in the vehicle.
Investigators obtained a warrant for his arrest because of his blood, which showed a blood alcohol content of .249, three times the legal limit.
Menjivar is said to have borrowed the vehicle from the pickup truck's owner on the day of the accident. The affidavit also states that Menjivar's driver's license was revoked following the previous traffic violations.
In connection with the fatal accident, he was charged with two counts of manslaughter and two counts of drunk driving.
To help the family cope with their loss, a GoFundMe has also been set up, which has so far raised over $39,000
Since the deaths of Melissa and her son, her sister-in-law Kim Powell told the Denver Gazette, “An immeasurable void has been created in our family and our communities, and without her the world feels less rosy.”
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support during this difficult time of year when our family has suffered so much loss and ask for privacy so we can grieve.”
To help the family cope with their loss, a GoFundMe has also been set up, which has so far raised over $39,000.
A post about the fundraiser reads: “Melissa Powell, mother of three, and Riordan Powell, Broomfield High School and Boulder TEC student, were killed in a senseless, reckless driving accident in Broomfield, Colorado on Tuesday afternoon, December 12th. killed. 2023.
“Melissa and Riordan have both been a bright spot in many of our lives and it's hard to even understand and comprehend the situation.”
“This unimaginable loss has left the Powell family struggling with grief and unforeseen financial stress as we enter the holiday season.”
Menjivar faces a minimum of 12 years in prison, but if convicted of the most serious charges, the maximum sentence could be 36 years.