MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW MEXICO STATE POLICE
CONTACT:
Contact: Jimmy Glascock (505) 827-3349
Pgr. (505) 939-6830
April 7, 2004
Lieutenant Dominic Pargas (505) 524-6111

Inter-State 10 Fatality

(Las Cruces, NM) – On Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at 03:35 a.m. the New Mexico State Police investigated another wrong way driving fatality crash on Interstate 10. The crash occurred near mile marker 157.5 and involved two vehicles that collided head-on. This accident occurred approximately 3 miles west of last week’s accident that killed six people.

The investigation revealed a 1992 Chevrolet Lumina was westbound in the inside eastbound lane of I-10. A 2000 Chevrolet pick-up, driven by William Sunderland Jessop (24 of Colorado City, AZ), was eastbound in the inside eastbound lane of I-10. Evidence at the scene led investigators to believe the drivers of both vehicles took evasive action in attempt to avoid the collision. However, the two vehicles crashed right front to right front in an off-set head on collision.

The driver of the pick-up, Mr. William Sunderland Jessop, sustained minor injuries and was released. Rulon Jessop (46 of Colorado City, AZ) was in the back seat of the pick-up and was not wearing a seatbelt. Rulon Jessop sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Thomason Hospital in El Paso, TX and is in stable condition. William and Rulon Jessop are cousins. It is unknown if alcohol was a contributing factor at this time. Toxicology is pending.

The unidentified driver of the Chevrolet Lumina was fatally injured and state police is actively attempting to identify her. State police is requesting assistance with the identification of the driver of the 1992 Chevrolet Lumina that is gray in color. The car has a red pin stripe down both sides. The vehicle displayed a New Mexico registration plate that was not issued to the Lumina. The driver was a Hispanic female, approximately 50-60 years old. She is described being between 5’0” and 5’ 6” tall, average build and as having dark hair and dark eyes. Anyone with information regarding the driver or owner of this vehicle is requested to call the New Mexico State Police, District 4 Office at (505) 524-6111. She is believed to be from the Mesilla Valley area between Las Cruces and El Paso, Tx.

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