Family of victims expresses outrage at driver involved in Bronx parkway crash that killed two moped riders.

A recent tragic incident on a Bronx parkway has stirred profound sorrow and anger among the families of two young moped riders who lost their lives due to an alleged reckless act by a drunken driver. Mauricio Neyra Yuyes, 21, was charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) following the accident that claimed the lives of Enrique “Gucci” Martinez, 21, and Manuel Amarante Penalo, 19. Neyra Yuyes has since been released without bail, prompting widespread outrage from the victims’ families.

The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of a Monday morning when Neyra Yuyes was driving a black 2019 Mercedes-Benz south on the Bronx River Parkway. He collided with a white 2015 Volkswagen GTI, causing both vehicles to lose control. Neyra Yuyes struck Martinez and Penalo, who were riding side by side in the right lane. The impact was severe enough to throw both young men from their mopeds, resulting in their tragic deaths.

The families of the victims are grappling with their grief, compounded by a sense of injustice. Amarante Penalo’s sister expressed her frustration outside the Bronx Criminal Court, questioning how the driver could be released after the fatal incident. The victims’ mother echoed similar sentiments, questioning the justice system’s decisions surrounding Neyra Yuyes’ release.

Investigators noted that Neyra Yuyes refused to submit to a blood-alcohol test after the accident and was subsequently hospitalized. The Bronx district attorney initially filed two counts of vehicular manslaughter against him, but only the DWI charges were pursued at this time. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash, and further charges could be brought as new information emerges.

In the wake of this tragedy, New York Assemblyman William Magnarelli has proposed legislation aimed at rolling back certain bail reforms enacted in 2019 that currently classify most DWI offenses, including Neyra Yuyes’ charges, as non-felonies ineligible for bail.

A GoFundMe page has been established by Amarante Penalo’s family to assist with funeral expenses. Friends and family members have shared emotional accounts of the victims, further amplifying the call for justice. Both young men were remembered as vibrant individuals whose lives were unjustly cut short, with friends stating that their charisma and spirit brightened the lives of those around them.

The incident has highlighted broader issues regarding road safety and the legal repercussions for driving under the influence, stirring public dialogue on the need for reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future. The families of Martinez and Penalo are calling for accountability in the wake of their devastating loss, as the community rallies around them in support during this difficult time.