Man Charged With Homicide By Vehicle, DUI After Fatal Wreck

NORCROSS, GA -- One driver is facing homicide by vehicle and DUI charges after the man he hit was declared brain-dead Monday, according to the Gwinnett County Police Department. The accident took place on Jimmy Carter Boulevard at the intersection with Singleton Road in unincorporated Norcross.

The accident happened Sunday around 3 a.m. and Manuel Esteves-Sabino, 37, of Duluth was declared brain-dead Monday. Diego Romero, 31, of Lawrenceville, is now facing a warrant for homicide by vehicle, first degree.

Prior to Esteves-Sabino's death, Romero was charged with reckless driving, DUI, serious injury by vehicle and following too closely.

Based on the preliminary investigation Romero was traveling westbound on Jimmy Carter Boulevard approaching the intersection with Singleton Road in the left lane. He was driving a silver Lexus LS400.

Esteves-Sabino was stopped at the intersection of Jimmy Carter Boulevard westbound at the Singleton Road traffic light in the middle lane. He was driving a grey Toyota Corolla.

As Romero was approaching the intersection, he attempted to change lanes to the middle lane. The front of his vehicle struck the rear of Esteves-Sabino’s vehicle. Both vehicles rotated and came to rest in the southbound lanes of Singleton Road, according to police.

Both Esteves-Sabino and Romero sustained serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

Based on the severity of the injuries, the Gwinnett County Police Accident Investigation Unit, or AIU, was dispatched to the scene to continue the investigation. An officer assigned to the AIU traveled to the hospital to check on the status of both drivers. While there, he discovered that Diego was likely under the influence of alcohol.

Both vehicles were impounded to Gwinnett County Police Headquarters for further analysis.