Mayor Simmons Issues Statement On Double-Fatal Pedestrian Crash

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons has issued a statement on the crash that killed 25-year-old pedestrians Giovanni Vega Benis and Yuliana Arias Lozano on Washington Boulevard at Main Street in the early morning hours of Dec. 3.

The two Stamford residents were hit by a car driven by 24-year-old Michael Talbot, of Greenwich, according to police. No charges have been filed yet.

Simmons offered condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and called the incident "a devastating tragedy for our community."

In recent days, many on social media have expressed frustration that Talbot has not yet been charged. A petition has been signed by members of the community asking for action from police. As of Friday morning, more than 3,600 people had signed the petition.

"While we understand the frustration of those who think the driver should have been arrested on the day of the incident, there is due diligence and a process that must be followed in fatal crash investigations," Simmons said. "I want to assure the families that the city, the Stamford Police Department, and my administration will do everything we can to support you during this difficult time and ensure that justice is served."

According to Vega's cousin, Ruth Sanchez, Vega and Arias had finished work at Cantina Mexicana on Summer Street, and went to Curley's Diner on West Park Place for a late night bite to eat. The two were then walking each other home at approximately 2:05 a.m., when they were hit by a 2022 Mercedes Benz driven by Talbot on Washington Boulevard, police said.

Police said Vega and Arias are believed to have been in the crosswalk; the status of the pedestrian crossing signal was unknown. Talbot fled the scene on foot but was apprehended a short time later nearby, police said.

The city and the SPD have been in contact with State's Attorney Paul K. Ferencek, "who is in agreement with the steps that have been taken and the direction of the ongoing investigation," the statement from Simmons' office said.

Sgt. Jeffrey Booth of the SPD's Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad is leading the investigation. Booth has been investigating fatal crashes for 20 years.

"During fatal crash investigations, prematurely arresting an operator can potentially hinder the chances of a successful prosecution. Search warrants, lab work, and reconstruction are elements to a fatal investigation that must be completed before an arrest warrant can be applied for," Booth said.

The city said it will continue to work with local and state partners to make Stamford’s streets safer for pedestrians to avoid future tragedies.

Patch will have a story on Giovanni Vega Benis and Yuliana Arias Lozano next week