News Release
Reckless Driver Driving Over 100MPH Kills Two in Fatal Vehicle Collision
Mesa, AZ – On March 22, 2022, the Mesa Police Department arrested and booked 21-year-old Gezane Izreal Cabanillas-Lape on two counts of 2nd Degree Murder and one count of Aggravated Assault for his involvement in a double fatal vehicle collision that occurred at Windsor and Main St. in Mesa at about 5:30pm on March 22, 2022.
On March 22, 2022, the Mesa Police Department responded to vehicle collision in the area of Windsor and Main St. in Mesa. Upon arrival it was discovered that two vehicles were involved, a 2009 Chrysler 300C and a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. Upon arrival of first responders the male passenger in the Chrysler Pacifica was not responsive. That individual, 82-year-old Ronald Hettich, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The female driver of the Pacifica, 80-year-old Irma Hettich, Ronald’s spouse, sustained serious injuries, was transported to a local hospital, and was later pronounced deceased.
The driver of the Chrysler 300C, 21-year-old Gezane Cabanillas-Lape and the 21-year-old female passenger were also transported to a local hospital. Cabanillas-Lape had no serious injuries, but the female passenger suffered possible internal injuries.
The investigation revealed that the Hettich’s were travelling north on Windsor crossing over Main St. when Cabanillas-Lape who was travelling westbound on Main St. at a high rate of speed colliding with the passenger side of Hettich’s vehicle. It was determined Cabanillas-Lape was travelling in an excess of 100MPH on a roadway with a speed limit of 45MPH at the time of the collision. Cabanillas-Lape was evaluated, and no signs of alcohol or drug impairment were discovered.
The investigation revealed the primary cause of the collision was the reckless high rate of speed of Cabanillas-Lape. Based on the speed factor causing the deaths of Ronald and Irma Hettich and the injuries sustained by the female passenger in the Chrysler 300C Cabanillas-Lape was arrested and booked into the Mesa City Holding Facility on two counts of 2nd degree murder and one count of Aggravated Assault.
