Royal City man charged with vehicular homicide

Alcohol involved in accident that killed 20-year-old man

GEORGE — A 19-year-old Royal City man wrecked his vehicle about 1 a.m. Sunday morning and apparently killed one passenger in an accident authorities said involved alcohol and a high rate of speed.

Eleazar Victoriano Tlatempa was driving his 2000 Plymouth Neon when he failed to negotiate a curve as he headed eastbound on Road 11 SW just west of Adams Road South and rolled the vehicle, the Grant County Sheriff's Office stated.

One passenger, Isreal Justo Vicente, 20, also of Royal City, was not wearing a seat belt during the crash and was ejected from the vehicle. Justo Vicente was pronounced dead at the scene, the GCSO stated.

Three other passengers in the vehicle were all transported to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake where they were treated and later released. The other passengers were all from Royal City and included: Cesar Delacruz, 21; Armando Delacruz Villava, 20; and a 15-year-old male juvenile. The three passengers who survived the rollover accident were all wearing safety restraints, the GCSO stated.

Victoriano Tlatempa was taken to Samaritan Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and later processed for driving under the influence. A blood draw was taken to determine how much alcohol he had consumed prior to the accident, Chief Deputy John Turley said.

Victoriano Tlatempa was eventually transported to the Grant County Jail where he was booked for vehicular homicide.

The GCSO said he was also charged with three counts of vehicular assault as a result of the accident.

Victoriano Tlatempa's vehicle was determined to be totaled and was towed to the Grant County vehicle bullpen in Ephrata for secure storage.