Judge denies challenges in fatal Pueblo crash case

A judge said blood alcohol tests, as well as statements made to investigators by a man involved in a fatal Pueblo crash, will be allowed at trial.

Prosecutors said Gilbert O. Sanchez was intoxicated when he ran a red light and struck a car, killing three Alamosa teens April 28, 2012. Two teenage girls in the bed of his truck were seriously injured.

The Pueblo Chieftain reported defense attorneys argued Sanchez invoked his rights to counsel before blood tests were taken, but District Judge Thomas Flesher ruled Friday the tests were legal under implied consent laws. The judge also said Sanchez voluntarily spoke with police after his rights were read, so those statements will be allowed at trial.

Sanchez is charged with multiple counts of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault.