By Khalida Sarwari
An 18-year-old man arrested in connection with a double fatal crash in downtown Gilroy last week has been released from jail pending further investigation by police and the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office.
David Torres, of Gilroy, was arrested following the crash early on the morning of May 27 that claimed the lives of 28-year-old Robert Aguirre Jr. of Gilroy and 30-year-old San Martin resident Joel Zabala Jr.
Police believe Torres was driving the car involved in the crash, which occurred shortly before 1 a.m. near Sixth and Alexander streets, Sgt. Wes Stanford said.
“Based on our investigation, we had probable cause to arrest Torres,” Stanford said.
He was initially booked on charges of DUI causing injury, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and fleeing the scene of an accident after committing vehicular manslaughter, according to police.
The district attorney’s office, however, has requested additional evidence before making a decision, Stanford said.
“We continue to review the evidence in the case and have asked the Gilroy Police Department for further investigation, including further interviews and further analysis of the accident to determine who was driving the car,” district attorney’s spokeswoman Amy Cornell said.