Brian Alexander Torres-Perez, 22, has been indicted on three counts of manslaughter in relation to a crash that resulted in the deaths of Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb’s son, Cooper, Cooper’s fiancée Caroline Patten, and their 11-month old daughter in December 2022. The crash occurred when Torres-Perez allegedly struck the family’s Toyota Corolla with his Chevrolet Silverado as Patten was making a left turn at an intersection in Gilbert, Arizona. Patten died at the hospital nearly a week later, while Cooper and their infant daughter were pronounced dead at the scene. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated that Torres-Perez’s actions showed a reckless disregard for life, leading to the tragic outcome.
Gilbert police investigated the crash and submitted their findings to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, indicating that excessive speed, alcohol, and drugs were factors in the incident. Torres-Perez was reportedly driving approximately 70 mph, 25 mph over the speed limit at the time of the crash, according to a later police report. Blood samples taken from Torres-Perez showed a blood alcohol content level of .03 and the presence of THC. Following the investigation, Torres-Perez was taken into custody by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, where he remains with a cash bond set at $150,000. The indictment on three counts of manslaughter, a class two felony, marks the beginning of legal proceedings against Torres-Perez for his alleged role in the tragic crash.
The crash that resulted in the deaths of Cooper, Caroline Patten, and their infant daughter has sparked outrage and demands for accountability. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell emphasized the need for Torres-Perez to be held responsible for his actions, highlighting the devastating impact of his alleged reckless behavior on an entire family. The loss of three lives in a single incident has deeply affected the community and raised questions about the factors that led to the crash, including speed, alcohol, and drug use. The legal process now underway will seek to determine the extent of Torres-Perez’s culpability and deliver justice for the victims and their loved ones.
As the case progresses, the focus will be on gathering and presenting evidence to support the charges of manslaughter against Torres-Perez. The indictment marks a crucial step in the legal proceedings, initiating a formal process through which the prosecution will seek to prove that Torres-Perez’s actions directly resulted in the deaths of Cooper, Caroline Patten, and their infant daughter. The presence of alcohol and drugs in Torres-Perez’s system at the time of the crash will likely be central to the prosecution’s case, as well as the speed at which he was driving. The tragic loss of a young family has brought attention to the importance of accountability and justice in cases of reckless and negligent driving, particularly when such actions lead to devastating consequences.
The impact of the crash extends beyond the immediate loss of life, affecting the families, friends, and community members who knew and loved Cooper, Caroline Patten, and their infant daughter. The legal proceedings against Torres-Perez serve as a means of seeking justice and closure for those who have been impacted by the tragic incident. The indictment on three counts of manslaughter underscores the severity of the allegations against Torres-Perez and the need for accountability in cases of reckless driving leading to loss of life. As the case moves through the legal system, the hope is that justice will be served, bringing a measure of solace to those who continue to mourn the lives lost in the devastating crash.
