Per the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office:
In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the honorable Judge David Boynton, a jury has found defendant, Noe Daniel Suriel, 29, of Silver Spring, guilty of Driving a Motor Vehicle in a Race or Speed Contest and Gross Negligent Manslaughter by Motor Vehicle for the death of Rene Antonio Hernandez Jr., 32, of Olney. Suriel is facing a maximum of 10-years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 19th, 2022. The verdict came in late last night and stems from Suriel’s role in a multiple-vehicle fatal collision that occurred on September 6th, 2019, along Georgia Avenue at an entrance ramp for MD 200 (the Intercounty Connector- ICC).
A 2018 Dodge Challenger, 2014 Infiniti Q50S, and 2004 Ford Explorer were traveling north on Georgia Avenue. A 2009 Honda Civic was traveling south on Georgia Avenue and was attempting to make a left turn onto the entrance ramp of eastbound MD 200 (the ICC) when the collision occurred. The Challenger swerved in front of the Civic making glancing contact between the rear portion of Challenger and front bumper of the Civic. The Infiniti then struck the Civic, spun off and was struck by the Explorer. The driver of the Civic, victim, Rene Hernandez Jr, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Numerous witnesses informed investigators that prior to the collision, the Challenger and Infiniti were traveling at a very high rate of speed, weaving through traffic to pass other vehicles, revving engines at stop lights, accelerating heavily from stop lights, and “obviously racing.” Roadway evidence and vehicle damage were also consistent with a high-speed collision. In September 2019, pursuant to a District Court search warrant, an investigator imaged the Infiniti’s Event Data Recorder, which indicated that the Infiniti (which was second in the race behind the Challenger) was traveling 106 mph 5 seconds before striking the Civic.
–The Dodge Challenger was owned and operated by Noe Daniel Suriel.
–The Infiniti Q50S was owned and operated by Camilo Jose Ahumada Serje, 27, of Olney, who pleaded guilty to Gross Negligent Manslaughter by Motor Vehicle in October 2021 and is facing a maximum 10-year sentence. Sentencing hearing scheduled for Sept. 1, 2022.
–The Ford Explorer was owned and operated by Regino Andres Gonzalez Pena, 38, of Gaithersburg, who pleaded guilty to Gross Negligent Manslaughter by Motor Vehicle in May 2022 for joining the race already in progress. He faces an agreed upon maximum sentence of 18-months in prison. Sentencing hearing scheduled for Sept. 7, 2022.
“This should send a message to anyone who would consider the highly dangerous and potentially deadly act of drag racing at excessive speeds. Any driver participating in a race may be convicted of manslaughter by motor vehicle regardless of which vehicle is involved in a fatal collision. I thank Assistant State’s Attorney Kyle O’Grady for his tireless work in prosecuting this case and express deep condolences to the family of the victim, Rene Hernandez Jr.,” said State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
