Jury selection has begun in the trial of a man charged with DUI manslaughter in the Fort Lauderdale crash that killed Miami Heat dancer Nancy Lopez-Ruiz.
Mario Careaga, 46, is charged in the Sept. 10, 2010 crash that killed Lopez-Ruiz, who was set to begin her first season with the Miami Heat Dancers.
Lopez-Ruiz, 22, was riding her motorcycle in the 700 block of E. Sunrise Boulevard when she was struck by a Mercedes driven by Careaga, police said.
Police say Careaga drifted out of his lane when he hit Lopez-Ruiz, who was thrown from her motorcycle and died at the scene. Careaga told officers he'd had two vodka drinks before the incident, police said. Careaga was later released on $10,000 bond.
Authorities said Careaga had a blood alcohol level of .28 at the time of the crash, more than twice the legal limit in Florida.
The family of Lopez-Ruiz attended Monday's jury selection after traveling from Bradenton. They said they will stay for the remainder of the trial.
"It is important for people to know that people can get consequences and be held accountable," said Adela Lopez, the victim's mother. "We are grateful this is coming to the public now finally."
