Tucson, AZ – A 19-year-old University of Arizona student is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly striking and killing three pedestrians with his 2019 Porsche Boxster, then fleeing the scene and calling his wealthy father in California for help, authorities said.
Deadly Crash Near Campus
The fatal incident occurred near the intersection of North Euclid Avenue and East Second Street in Tucson. According to a Tucson Police Department press release, Louis Artal, 19, was driving northbound at a high speed, allegedly under the influence of alcohol or drugs, when he plowed into three people who were crossing the street in a marked crosswalk.
The victims — Josiah Santos, 22, Sophia Troetel, 21, and Katya Rosaura Castillo Mendoza, 21 — were all students at the University of Arizona. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
As per the reports, police said, “Artal’s impairment, speeding, and failure to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk are the major contributing factors of this collision.”
Suspect Fled Scene Before Calling His Father
After the crash, investigators say Artal fled the scene in his Porsche and returned home, where he reportedly called his father — a business owner in California with what the court described as “significant resources.”
According to court documents and local media reports, Artal’s father told him to turn himself in, which he later did. Police arrested him shortly afterward, charging him in connection with the hit-and-run crash.
Court Appearance and Victims’ Families Speak Out
During Artal’s first court appearance last week, the families of the victims delivered emotional statements demanding justice.
“I cannot believe that you drove away and left them there,” said Andrea Santos, mother of victim Josiah Santos, according to the Arizona Daily Star.
Sophia Troetel’s mother also addressed the court, stating, “He has complete disregard for law and human life and demands the highest bail allowed.”
Defense Argues Artal ‘Got Scared’
Artal’s defense attorney acknowledged that his client was involved in the crash but argued that the 19-year-old was “scared and didn’t know what to do.”
“I’m not trying to take away from the seriousness of the offense,” the attorney said, “but my client got scared and didn’t know what to do.” The lawyer also emphasized that Artal had no prior criminal record.
The defense further argued that Artal’s father’s decision to spend significant resources on a private attorney proved that his son would not flee and should therefore be eligible for bail.
Charges and Bail
Louis Artal now faces multiple charges, including:
- Second-degree murder
- Aggravated assault with serious injury
- Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death
A judge has set Artal’s bail at $250,000, and he remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
Do you believe bail should be allowed in cases involving multiple DUI deaths? Share your thoughts in the comments below — how should courts balance accountability, privilege, and justice in tragedies like this one in Tucson?
