Jose Funez Charged in Fatal Drunk Driving Crash That Killed 16-Year-Old

Police have formally arrested and charged 20-year-old Jose Funez in connection with the death of 16-year-old Denver Jackson following a fatal motorcycle incident near the Santa Elena Bridge. According to police reports, Funez was operating a motorcycle with Jackson riding behind him when he lost control of the vehicle and collided with a lamppost. Jackson sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators confirmed that Funez was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith revealed that Funez has been charged with manslaughter by negligence, causing death by careless conduct, driving without due care and attention, driving with an alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit, using an unlicensed vehicle, and operating a motor vehicle without third-party insurance.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “As it relates to the death investigation of Denver Jackson the 16 year old male minor police formally arrested and charged Jose Funez, a 20 year old Santa Elena resident for the crimes of manslaughter by negligence and causing death by careless conduct as well as the offenses of using a motor vehicle not covered by third party insurance, using a motor vehicle that was unlicensed and drove motor vehicle without due care and attention as well as driving a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit. He was arraigned before the San Ignacio Magistrate Court on the aforementioned charges. We cannot conclusively say it was the main factor however the investigation has disclosed that Mr.Funez was under the influence at the time of the incident.”

The RTI occurred on May 25