Suspect arraigned in hit-and-run that killed 3 University of Arizona students

Tucson, Ariz. (KOLD/Gray News) - The 19-year-old suspect accused of hitting and killing three University of Arizona students walking near campus last month has been arraigned on manslaughter charges.

Louis John Artal, a 19-year-old student at the university, appeared in court Monday for his arraignment. He is facing three counts of manslaughter.

Artal was allegedly impaired and speeding around 11 p.m. Oct. 30 when Tucson Police say he hit 21-year-old Sophia Troetel, 22-year-old Josiah Santos and 21-year-old Katya Rosaura Castillo Mendoza. The victims, all University of Arizona students, were walking in a marked crosswalk at the time.

Troetel and Santos, who were dating, died at the scene. Castillo Mendoza, who was Troetel’s roommate, died the next day.

In an Oct. 31 court hearing, Artal’s attorney said his client was not denying being involved in the accident. He also said that while Artal did leave the scene, he went home and called his father. His father allegedly told him to walk to the police station, which he did about an hour after the crash.

Artal was released on a $250,000 cash bond only last week.

He was originally facing second-degree murder charges for the crash. If convicted of manslaughter, he would likely face far fewer years in prison than if convicted of second-degree murder.

After the crash, GoFundMe sites were set up for Troetel and Santos and Castillo Mendoza.