Three 15-year-old Othello High students — Yaritzi “Yari” Flores-Romero, Melissa Romero-Espinoza and Iris Ramos Cruz — died after their car was struck and driven into an irrigation canal on April 26. Authorities say surveillance footage and witness accounts show a white Mercedes hit the victims’ vehicle at high speed, and its driver fled the scene. A 19-year-old suspect, Presiliano Perez-Pineda, was arrested and charged with three counts of vehicular homicide; one count includes a domestic violence enhancement. Bail was set at $1,000,000 and the investigation remains active.
Three 15-Year-Old Othello Students Killed After Their Car Is Struck and Sent Into Irrigation Canal; 19-Year-Old Arrested
Yaritzi "Yari" Flores-Romero, Melissa Romero-Espinoza and Iris Ramos Cruz were killed in a car crash on April 26, 2026Credit: GoFundMe (2)
Three 15-year-old students from Othello High School — Yaritzi “Yari” Flores-Romero, Melissa Romero-Espinoza and Iris Ramos Cruz — were killed after their vehicle was struck and pushed into an irrigation canal near Bench Road in Othello, Washington, on April 26, authorities said.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responding to a reported rollover collision found three occupants had been ejected from the vehicle and were pronounced dead at the scene. The victim vehicle was recovered from an irrigation canal.
Investigation and Arrest
Investigators identified a white Mercedes sedan as the second vehicle involved. Surveillance footage, witness statements and scene processing indicated the Mercedes struck the victims’ car "at high rates of speed," according to the sheriff’s office. Evidence and witness accounts suggested the driver fled the scene.
Authorities later located and arrested 19-year-old Presiliano Perez-Pineda. He was booked on three counts of vehicular homicide; one count carries a domestic violence enhancement linked to his prior relationship with one of the victims. During a court hearing, bail was set at $1,000,000. The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing.
Community Response
The Othello School District confirmed the three girls attended Othello High School and said district leaders have been in contact with the families and will provide support. In a Facebook tribute, the Othello Lady Huskies wrestling account remembered Yaritzi Flores-Romero for her tenacity, competitiveness and positive presence on the team.
Local fundraising pages were launched to help the families. One GoFundMe for Yaritzi and Melissa expressed the community’s heartbreak and the lasting memory of their love and laughter; a separate fund for Iris highlighted her bright spirit and dream of becoming a nail technician.
Note: Authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses as the investigation proceeds.
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