Motorist Arrested in 2 Girls’ Deaths

A Port Hueneme cook was arrested Thursday on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter in connection with the deaths last week of two Ventura sisters in a head-on collision.

The arrest of 30-year-old Juan Ramirez by the California Highway Patrol came the same day as the funeral for 11-year-old Katie Marie Tello and 8-year-old Andrea Michelle Tello.

Ramirez had been recovering from serious injuries he suffered in the accident Dec. 26 on California 126, said CHP Officer Dave Cockrill.

Ramirez, described by Cockrill as being very subdued when he voluntarily underwent questioning, was booked into Ventura County Jail late Thursday and is set to be arraigned early next week for vehicular manslaughter in the deaths of Katie and Andrea.

The girls were buried at Bardsdale Cemetery in Fillmore.

Ramirez told authorities that he had fallen asleep about 6:45 a.m. Dec. 26 after driving all night from Reno, Nev., where he and his family were visiting relatives.

“We don’t know if he fell asleep, but either way he will be charged for felony manslaughter,” Cockrill said.

Ramirez’s wife, 20-year-old Norma Fuentes, remained in serious condition at Ventura County Medical Center. The couple’s 10-month-old son, Jesus, suffered minor injuries.