Gustavo Gutierrez, the man accused of causing the death of KFOR sports director Bob Barry, Jr., has waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
Barry was riding his scooter without a helmet when Gutierrez made an illegal U-turn in front of him. Barry crashed into the side of Gutierrez’s car. Gutierrez has been charged with operating a vehicle without a state license and possession of cocaine. He’s also in the country illegally.
“One of the reasons why we waived it, there’s always a possibility that if we would have conducted that preliminary hearing, the state could have possibly amended the charge, so it was in his best interest,” said Cesar Armenta, Gutierrez’ attorney.
Prosecutors believe the case may never go before a jury.
“What I anticipate will occur is very likely the defendant will enter a plea. I think considering the celebrity of the victim in this case that it would be, you know, it’d be a difficult one for the defendant to go to trial on with the jury knowing, you know, what’s happened in the case,” said Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater.
Gutierrez faces up to 15 years in prison and eventual deportation to Mexico.