Gone too soon
Man jailed on complaints he is responsible for deaths of ER teens and Stillwater friend
The man accused of killing four young people in a wrong-way collision on I-40 has been booked into the Canadian County Jail on multiple complaints, including second-degree murder. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement retainer has also been placed on him, authorities said.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported the developments, holding a press conference in Oklahoma City Wednesday morning.
Michael Salomon Rosario-Cruz, 26, is jailed on four counts of second-degree murder; two counts of DUI causing great bodily injury; transporting an open container; possession of a firearm with an altered identification during the commission of a felony; carrying a firearm while under the influence; and driving the wrong way on a divided two-way road.
The Canadian County District Attorney’s Office will determine whether formal charges are to be filed.
Authorities said Rosario-Cruz is responsible for the deaths of three El Reno teens and their friend from Stillwater.
Killed in the collision that occurred early on May 22 were Quincy Jones, 19, Haliegh Salazar, 18, and Brad Palmer, 18, all of El Reno and Kiercy Hickson, 20, of Stillwater.
Jones and Palmer were 2026 graduates of El Reno High School, while Salazar had graduated early as part of the Class of 2025.
Reports said OHP troopers were notified of a wrong-way driver on I-40 near Meridian Road early on the 22nd. The driver was in a 2019 Ford F-150. The pickup collided head-on with the 2014 Ford Fiesta carrying the four young people near Czech Hall Road in Yukon.
Troopers reported finding a number of open and unopened Modelo beer cans in as well as around the truck. They also reported finding a loaded handgun in the driver’s seat of the truck, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Troopers said the odor of alcohol was prevalent on Rosario-Cruz as they helped him out of the pickup.
A warrant for a blood sample was issued and a blood sample was taken from Rosario-Cruz. The affidavit did not indicate the results of the blood sample.
Rosario-Cruz was taken to Integris Baptist Hospital for treatment. At the time, he was said to be in critical condition.
He was taken into custody when he was released from the hospital Sunday night, about three days after the collision.
The four young people were pronounced deceased at the scene of the collision.
OHP officials said ICE regulations show the only way Rosario-Cruz would be handed over to federal authorities is if the local charges were to be dropped or he is acquitted of the charges he could possibly face.
OHP Chief Joe Williams said Rosario-Cruz came to the United States in 2015 and was granted DACA status by the Obama administration, which allowed him to remain here.
Williams said authorities have found no criminal record for the suspect who is said to be from Memphis, Tenn. Williams said Rosario-Cruz was working for a Tennessee contractor that was doing a job in Oklahoma City.
Williams said OHP troopers “were just seconds” behind Rosario-Cruz and were going to stop the wrong-way pickup when the collision occurred.
Williams said the OHP homicide team is continuing to investigate the incident, which he called totally “preventable.” He said Rosario-Cruz made the decision to drink at an Oklahoma City bar or restaurant and then drive his vehicle.
The OHP homicide team has spoken with people who reportedly witnessed the collision, Williams said.
Reports have circulated there was a second car of El Reno teens also headed to Oklahoma City at the time of the collision. An OHP spokesman had not confirmed as of press time if that is part of the investigation.