Two killed in three-car crash in Kent; Renton man under investigation for vehicular homicide

A 40-year-old Renton man is under investigation for vehicular homicide after two people, including a Kent man, were killed in a three-car crash early Sunday in Kent on westbound State Route 516, just west of Meeker Street.

  • BY Wire Service
  • Wednesday, December 8, 2010 11:40am
  • News

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A 40-year-old Renton man is under investigation for vehicular homicide after two people, including a Kent man, were killed in a three-car crash early Sunday in Kent on westbound State Route 516, just west of Meeker Street.

Around 3:15 a.m. three vehicles, a silver Chevrolet Malibu, a Honda SUV and red Honda Civic, were all traveling west on State Route 516, also known as the Kent Des Moines Road, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Washington State Patrol detectives are investigating what caused the three vehicles to collide, killing two of the three drivers. A third driver and one passenger were transported with serious injuries to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Jose D. Cuellar, 57, of Kent, the driver of a 1994 Honda Passport, and Amanda Berman, 24, of Yakima, the driver of a 2002 Chevy Malibu, died from injuries suffered in the accident.

Paramedics transported the Renton man, the driver of a 1992 Honda Civic, to the hospital after his vehicle struck the Chevy Malibu.

Willie L. Smith, 26, of Fife, a passenger in Berman’s car, also was transported to Harborview.

Both men were in satisfactory condition Monday, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Alcohol or drugs are believed to be factors in the collision, according to the State Patrol. None of the drivers or the passenger wore seat belts.

The Malibu reportedly went out of control and collided with the Honda Civic. The Honda Passport then collided with the Malibu.

A witness told the State Patrol that a couple of the cars might have been racing.


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