A Kentucky lady has been charged with homicide for reportedly capturing and killing her Texas Uber driver after mistakenly believing he was kidnapping her and taking her to Mexico.
As of Sunday, Phoebe Copas has remained behind bars for the reason that June 16 capturing dying of 52-year-old Daniel Piedra Garcia, based on the Associated Press.
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Uber Driver Fatally Shot By Passenger Who Thought He Was Kidnapping Her To Mexico
Piedra allegedly drove Copas whereas she was visiting her boyfriend in El Paso, located on the U.S.-Mexico border.
The 48-year-old advised authorities she panicked throughout the trip after recognizing a street signal that confirmed Juarez, Mexico, was solely seven miles away. She mentioned she believed Piedra had kidnapped her and was taking her to Mexico, police mentioned.
Copas then reportedly pulled a loaded handgun from her purse and shot Piedra within the head, inflicting the automobile to crash moments later.
Just so everyone seems to be conscious, that is what the alleged assassin appears to be like like. 48yo Phoebe D. Copas of Kentucky. pic.twitter.com/sYSP6DrAr2
— Fahad Alam (@FahadMAlam) June 25, 2023
Piedra’s Taken Off Of Life Support, Police Say No Evidence Of Kidnapping
Piedra’s household finally took him off life assist a number of days after his hospitalization. Doctors allegedly advised them he would by no means get well.
His niece, Didi Lopez, described Piedra as “a hardworking family man” to the El Paso Times.
“He was a hardworking man and really funny,” Lopez mentioned. “He was never in a bad mood. He was always the one that, if he saw you in a bad mood, he’d come over and try to lift you up.”
Meanwhile, investigators refuted Copas’ claims that she was being kidnapped.
An arrest affidavit said Piedra’s automotive was by no means “in close proximity of a bridge, port of entry or other area with immediate access to travel into Mexico.”
Police additional advised the press that Piedra’s by no means “veered from (her) destination.”
Piedra’s niece mentioned that she “wishes Copas would’ve spoken up, asked questions” if she felt scared as an alternative of performing “on impulse and making a reckless decision.”
“I wish she would’ve spoken up, asked questions, not acted on impulse and make a reckless decision, because not only did she ruin our lives, but she ruined her life, too. We just want justice for him. That’s all we’re asking.”
Piedra’s Wife Creates GoFundMe, Copas Held On $1.5 Million Bond
The sufferer’s spouse, Ana, has since created a GoFundMe.
“The money collected will… pay for hospital and funeral expenses and other difficulties that may arise,” she writes.
The fundraiser has earned $81,306 as of Monday. Those serious about donating to Piedra’s fundraiser can achieve this right here.
Copas stays held on a $1.5 million bond.
She was initially charged with aggravated assault. However, the cost was later upgraded to homicide following Piedra’s dying.
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