Homicide Unit Investigating Deadly Crash in Pompano Beach

Photo byDavid von DiemaronUnsplash

The Broward Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal car crash that occurred on the evening of October 4, 2024, resulting in the death of a female passenger in Pompano Beach, according to a press release shared today.

At approximately 8:13 p.m., Jose Garcia-Pelaez, 23, was driving a 2008 Ford Mustang eastbound on West Atlantic Boulevard in the 2300 block when the incident took place. At the same time, Chris Cherenfant was behind the wheel of a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, traveling westbound and preparing to make a left turn onto Walmart Drive.

As Cherenfant turned left, his Malibu was struck on the passenger side by Garcia-Pelaez's Mustang in a T-bone collision. The force of the impact caused the Mustang to roll over, leading to the ejection of its passenger, Margarita Ortuno Cruz.

Paramedics quickly arrived on the scene and transported Cruz to Broward Health North, where she was pronounced deceased. Both drivers, along with another passenger in the Mustang, were also taken to the hospital with injuries that are not expected to be life-threatening.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing as detectives work to piece together the details surrounding the event.