Christopher Madrid | Staff Writer
On February 21, 24-year old Nicholas Robinson allegedly drove under the influence and crashed into a car containing Gabriela Alejandra Rios Flores and her passenger at 12:30am.
Gabriela Rios Flores was an international undergraduate student from El Salvador majoring in Communication Arts at FIU.
Rios Flores was “ejected” from the car and rushed to the hospital. She succumbed to her injuries on Monday night. Rios’s unknown passenger is also an FIU student, he survived with a broken arm.
Robinson’s charges initially included driving under the influence with serious injury and reckless driving. After Rios Flores’s passing on Monday night, his charges were updated to include vehicular homicide. His bond was set at $100,000 and updated to $200,000 after the additional charge. All charges are considered felonies.
“He was going so fast. He didn’t even know he hit her. He is an absolute danger to the community,” said Judge Mindy S. Glazer.
Rios Flores was on the side of the road in her Jeep Wrangler. She pulled over because her car was having mechanical issues. Robinson was celebrating his 24th birthday, driving off from drinking at bars in Miami Beach. Robinson’s car collided with Rios’s car on MacArthur Causeway.
The police report alleges that Robinson was going 100 mph in a 40 mph zone. Upon detainment, he spoke with slurred speech and he emitted an alcoholic smell while saying, “Why are you stopping me? It’s my birthday.”
Modern Language Professor at FIU Toshimi Abe-Janiga also passed away because of another unrelated reckless driver a few months ago.
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