BAKERSFIELD, CA - A new witness has come forward in the fatal crash that killed Princess Almonidovar, as the driver charged with her murder was arraigned Friday morning.
Exactly two weeks after the crash, 24-year-old Alex Rubio was charged with second-degree murder. The prosecution said that's because Rubio's conduct was no different that shooting a gun into a crowd of people.
This is the first time Alex Rubio was seen in public since the crash. He pleaded 'not guilty' to three counts, including second-degree murder.
"I just want to make sure that everybody gives this kid a chance. The way this is coming out I do not believe this is as egregious as is posted," said Tony Lidgett, Rubio's attorney.
Friday's court date comes two weeks after the crash at the intersection of Ming and New Stine. Police said Almonidovar was driving east, Rubio speeding south when the two collided.
"He was no more driving a vehicle than steering a missile through a busy intersection, and he was going at speeds quite frankly that would shock the conscience," said Jim Simpson, District Attorney's office.
The probable cause statement says Rubio's blood alcohol level was .14 and that he was the driver of a vehicle that ran a red light. But, Rubio's defense attorney says a security guard who witnessed the crash says otherwise.
"He was standing on the corner around three o'clock in the morning. He saw the vehicle that was driven by Princess speed up, try to make the light, missed the light. It was a red light," said Lidgett.
District Attorney Jim Simson said he can't comment on the accusation.
"As frustrating as it might be that the defense would make comments like that, but there's nothing I can say because anything I can say could influence the effectiveness and the legitimacy of our investigation," said Simson.
There are cameras at the intersection, but Bakersfield Police said they only monitor traffic and do not take video. The security company where the alleged witness works, American A+ Security, would not speak on camera.
Rubio is scheduled to be in court in March.
He is currently out on bail, which was not raised Friday.
Alex Rubio was initially charged with DUI and not murder so his bail was set at $170,000. Rubio bailed out with $17,000 down. But because he did that, the District Attorney's office said it would be unlikely even if they asked that bail be raised.
Simson said this new witness has nothing to do with why he did not ask for a bail increase.
"It's unfortunate that his bail is what it is and that he is out when he has taken a life of someone else, but unfortunately those are facts sometimes that we have to live with."
We're also learning more about Rubio's behavior following the crash. According to court documents, Rubio initially made statements admitting his involvement as the driver. The documents show he then he ran from the crash scene, and it took force to arrest Rubio.