TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – A Tucson family that waited years for an arrest in their loved one’s case is breathing a little easier now that charges have officially been filed.

Luie Torres, 20, died in an accident early on September 27, 2021.

Arizona DPS said Luie was driving on Interstate 10 near Grant when he was struck and killed by a driver under the influence of marijuana.

But like 13 news outlets reported, it takes years for the Pima County Prosecutor’s Office to file charges. The case was transferred to another prosecutor, and the evidence had to be examined again.

After a long battle, the PCAO officially filed negligent homicide charges against Jeremiah de Lauer.

He was in court Wednesday for a case management conference and is scheduled to be in court for a Dec. 4 pretrial conference.

The Torres family released a statement to 13 News saying, “The family would like to say thank you Mary Coleman and the Channel 13 team for their support in getting justice for my son Luie Torres. It was very difficult for the family, but we are being fair and we know that there are many families in the same situation. We want you to know that we have not given up on getting justice.”

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