Several South Florida families will have to wait longer to bring their loved ones to justice after they were killed by an alleged drunk driver last year on Interstate 95 in Miami.
Lionel Orrego faces charges of DUI manslaughter in the August 2018 crash that killed Alina Ghani, Eugene Benjamin, John Brady Garzon and Meryl Diaz. His lawyer asked a judge in court Thursday to grant him more time to prepare for the case.
"He was drunk, driving and killed four young (people) and hurt a lot of people," said Meryl Diaz' father, Vladimir Diaz.
The victims had stopped on the shoulder of I-95 near NW 62nd Street to help after a motorcyclist crashed. A few minutes later, Orrego allegedly crashed his van into the crowd of good Samaritans.
Police found a six-pack of beer and an empty bottle in Orrego's van at the time of the crash.
The victims' families have gone to every court hearing so far, and Thursday was no exception. Meryl Diaz' family was there, holding up signs that read, "Justice for Meryl."
"If you drink -- don't drive," Vladimir Diaz firmly said outside the courtroom.
"I'm looking for justice and continue in this fight," Meryl Diaz said.
Orrego is scheduled to face a jury on April 22. He bonded out of jail and is on house arrest.
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"Every day I feel sick because I miss my son," Luz Pacheco said.
