A driver accused of killing two young pedestrians in Colorado Springs while under the influence of prescription methadone last month was charged Monday with two counts of vehicular homicide.
Robert Icenogle, 47, was impaired and shouldn’t have been behind the wheel during the Nov. 26 crash that killed 9-year-old Neto White and 17-year-old Leondro Carabajal as they were pushing a disabled minivan in traffic, according to charges filed against him in court.
Each count of vehicular homicide is punishable by up to six years in prison, though that penalty can be doubled in some circumstances.
Fourth Judicial District Judge Timothy J. Schutz granted Icenogle court-appointed attorneys during his brief appearance Monday. Icenogle, who is on disability, had exceeded income eligibility by $900 but the judge made an exception because Icenogle said he is unable to afford private representation. Private attorneys requested a $50,000 retainer to defend him on the charges, Icenogle told the court.
Police were called about 4 p.m. Nov. 27 to the crash at North Parkside Drive and Pikes Peak Avenue in Colorado Springs.
Investigators say Icenogle was under the influence of an allergy medication and methadone, which is sometimes used to treat heroin addiction, when he failed to stop for a disabled minivan being pushed by three people, including the victims.
Witnesses said Icenogle’s Dodge Durango slammed into White and Carabajal, crushing them. Neto’s sister, Anjelica White, suffered broken bones in her ankle and hand.
Icenogle is free on $50,000 bond pending a trial.
Reader Comments
Comments are encouraged, but you must follow our User Agreement.