Repeat DUI Offender Causes Fatal Crash Killing Mother and Teen Son

• Melissa Powell and her son Riordan were killed in a car accident in Broomfield, Colorado, on December 12, 2023.
• The suspect, Jose Menjivar, has been charged with DUI and vehicular homicide, with a history of three previous DUI convictions.
• Menjivar was driving at high speeds and had a blood alcohol content three times the legal limit at the time of the crash.

In a tragic incident on December 12 in Broomfield, Colorado, Melissa Powell, 46, and her teenage son Riordan, 16, lost their lives in a car wreck.

The suspect, Jose Menjivar, 37, has been arrested and charged with DUI and vehicular homicide. Menjivar, with a history of DUI convictions, was driving despite having his license revoked.

Photo by@Broomfield Police Department/dailymail.co

According to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office of Colorado, Menjivar was allegedly speeding between 80 and 100mph in a 40mph zone when he collided with the Powells' vehicle. The impact caused their vehicle to crash into a tree. Officers at the scene noted an overwhelming odor of alcohol from Menjivar, and investigations revealed a blood alcohol content of .249, significantly above the legal limit. At least two empty beer cans and an open beer case were found inside his vehicle.

The affidavit further states that Menjivar had borrowed the pickup truck involved in the accident on the day of the crash. He faces two counts each of vehicular homicide and DUI in connection to the fatal incident. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support the Powell family, raising over $39,000 to date. The community has been left in mourning, with an immeasurable void following the loss of Melissa and Riordan Powell. Menjivar faces a minimum of 12 years in prison, with a potential maximum sentence of up to 36 years if convicted on the most serious charges.

SOURCE