Las Vegas police find marijuana vape pen on driver in deadly 12-car crash; charges upgraded to murder

OG article by David Charns, Ryan Tisminezky

November 21, 2025

Jose Gutierrez, 19, is accused of causing a 12-car crash on November 18 at Cheyenne Avenue and Jones Boulevard in Las Vegas, resulting in the deaths of his passenger Adilene Duran Rincon, 20, and driver Edward Garcia, 38, with several others injured. Police allege Gutierrez drove at speeds over 100 mph, carried a marijuana vape pen in his pocket, and displayed bloodshot eyes, though he denied recent marijuana or alcohol use. Initially charged with four counts of reckless driving causing death or harm, he posted $3,000 bail (15% of $20,000 total) without seeing a judge and was released from custody while hospitalized. Prosecutors later upgraded charges to two counts of open murder, one count of attempted murder, and battery with a deadly weapon, leading to his rebooking without bail eligibility. Gutierrez initially denied driving but admitted it later; blood samples were taken to check for impairment. Video shows the car speeding into the intersection and colliding with vehicles at a red light. The vehicle was registered to Rincon's mother, and she was pregnant per a GoFundMe page. Gutierrez had a prior speeding citation on October 3 for 52 mph in a 35-mph zone in the same car, reduced to 40 mph. Witnesses described the intersection as dangerous, and police seek witnesses to the crash or driving. Gutierrez was scheduled for court on murder charges on Friday.