Charges Filed In Crash That Killed 2 Lakewood 19-Year-Olds

LAKEWOOD, OH — A Cleveland woman has been accused of driving drunk and causing a car accident that killed two 19-year-olds in Lakewood, according to Cuyahoga County Prosecutors.

Selena Colon, 23, faces four counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, two counts of aggravated vehicular assault and one count of driving while under the influence. She will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley said.

"It's a tragedy and two lives were lost and a third was injured. I can tell you that Selena is extremely remorseful and at the appropriate time she'll address the families in the court. She'll express her remorse and sorrow," said Kevin Spellacy, Colon's attorney.

On Feb. 21, 2021, Colon was driving east on Clifton Avenue when she crashed into a car turning onto Clifton, prosecutors said. Maximus Close, 19, and Alejandro Mercado, 19, were thrown from the car and killed in the accident. A third person was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for injuries.

Colon was taken into custody and is being held at the Cuyahoga County Jail, O'Malley said. Prosecutors believe Colon was driving 90 mph in a 35 mph zone, did not have her headlights on, and was under the influence of alcohol.

“Ms. Colon was drunk-driving over 90 mph in a 35 mph zone. This resulted in the death of two wonderful friends and their families left in total anguish,” O'Malley said. “She will be held accountable.”