DALLAS — For the first time, we are seeing the teenager accused of killing another Dallas teen with her car one month ago.
Soraya Villanueva, 18, is charged with criminally negligent homicide in the January 7 death of 17-year-old Riley Rawlins. Officers arrested her on Friday.
For Rawlins' family, the arrest ends weeks of frustration.
"it was definite relief for us to know that the wheels of justice have started to turn," said Rawlins' mother, Monica Rawlins.
Their fight for justice is far from over.
For weeks, the family was pleading with officers to arrest Villanueva. Investigators told News 8 in a previous report that an arrest had not been made because they were still interviewing witnesses and the driver.
Now, with the arrest, the family is focusing their attention on the Dallas County District Attorney's office. They launched a petition, pushing for a trial.
"It's my hope that now the DA, that the ball is in his court, doesn't allow a plea deal and doesn't allow probation and doesn't allow her [Villanueva] off on a light sentence," Rawlins said.
Riley Rawlins, a junior at Lake Highlands High School, was crossing Royal Lane with some friends when Villanueva's car hit him. Police said she was traveling 70 mph in a 35 mph zone.
According to the police report, Villanueva was trying to beat a yellow light and admitted to speeding. She was also driving without a license and insurance.
She was being held at the Dallas County Jail with bond set at $15,000.
E-mail mdiaz@wfaa.com
