Nino Dólar case sent to traffic court after fatal crash

A Dominican judge has sent the case of Carlos José Troche Rodríguez, known as "Nino Dólar," to a traffic tribunal, declining to hear the prosecution's request for pretrial detention in connection with a fatal crash. The decision has sparked outrage among victims' families, who accuse the driver of murder. Source: El Día

The crash

On August 15, Troche allegedly ran a red light at the intersection of Abraham Lincoln and Independencia avenues, striking a motorcycle carrying three people. Wilmer Rodríguez, 38, and his 21-year-old daughter Wilkaren died after being dragged under the vehicle, while Arianna Ciprián suffered severe injuries, including fractures to both legs, and may face permanent disability. Source: Diario Libre The prosecution's filing states that Troche "continued the march of the vehicle after the impact, dragging the victims along the road and running over them; subsequently fled." Source: Diario Libre

Court decision

Judge Rigoberto Sena of the Permanent Attention Office declared himself incompetent, classifying the incident as a traffic accident and referring the case to the traffic tribunal. Source: Listín Diario The prosecution had requested pretrial detention on charges of aggravated homicide. Source: El Día Troche, who surrendered to authorities on August 17, remains in preventive custody at the Palacio de Justicia. Source: Hoy

Reaction

Families protested outside the courthouse, chanting "Asesino!" and demanding justice. Source: Hoy They expressed frustration that the case was not heard in a criminal court, with one relative stating, "Here in this country there is no justice; if it had been a poor wretch, Permanent Attention would hear it." Source: Listín Diario Reports also note that Troche did not have a driver's license at the time of the crash, according to a complaint filed with the prosecutor's office. Source: Hoy