Albert Oswaldo Yanez Quintana Obituary, Death – A 17-year-old boy is facing serious criminal charges after a deadly crash on Valentine’s Day in Pembroke Pines, Florida, that claimed the life of an elderly woman. Police said the teen, Albert Oswaldo Yanez Quintana of Sunrise, was driving recklessly to impress his friends when the tragic incident unfolded.
According to Pembroke Pines police, the crash happened on the evening of February 14, just after 6:30 p.m., near the intersection of Dykes Road and Northwest 12th Street. Yanez Quintana was behind the wheel of a Dodge Charger, a high-powered vehicle known for its speed. Police say he was “showing his friends how fast his new car was” when he struck another vehicle with enough force to split it in two.
The other vehicle, a Ford Fusion, was occupied by two senior citizens who were attempting to make a left turn when the crash occurred. The Dodge slammed into the side of the Fusion, creating a devastating T-bone collision. The impact was so severe that one of the seniors, later identified as Patricia Fajardro De Cardona, was ejected from the vehicle. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police reports indicate that three of Yanez Quintana’s friends were inside his car at the time of the crash. One of the passengers gave a troubling account to investigators, stating that Yanez Quintana “does not know how to drive” and even said he “should be locked up.” That same passenger estimated that Yanez Quintana was driving between 70 and 80 miles per hour, which is far above the posted 45 mph speed limit for that stretch of road.
An arrest report from authorities reinforces that conclusion. Based on accident reconstruction and witness statements, police determined that if the teen had been traveling at the legal speed limit, the victims in the Ford Fusion would have had about three extra seconds to safely complete their turn. Investigators believe those few seconds would have been enough to avoid the deadly collision entirely.
As a result of the crash and the police investigation, Yanez Quintana has been charged with vehicular homicide and reckless driving. Both charges carry serious legal consequences and reflect the gravity of the loss and the circumstances that led to it.
The case has shocked the local community and sparked conversations about teen driving safety, especially when high-performance vehicles are involved. The Dodge Charger is known for its powerful engine and fast acceleration, features that can be dangerous in the hands of inexperienced or reckless drivers.
While Yanez Quintana’s mugshot had not yet been released as of Thursday evening, police confirmed that he is now in custody and will be facing legal proceedings for his actions. Given his age, there is also speculation about whether he will be tried as a juvenile or adult, a decision that will be made by the court based on the severity of the charges and circumstances of the crash.
This incident also serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible driving, especially among teenagers. Speeding, showing off for friends, and underestimating the consequences of poor driving decisions can have irreversible outcomes, as seen in this case.
The loss of Patricia Fajardro De Cardona has left a lasting impact on her family and community. She is remembered as a senior citizen who likely had plans and loved ones who will now have to cope with the grief caused by one young driver’s reckless decision.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure all details are accounted for, and they are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward. Meanwhile, the victim’s family is left to mourn their tragic loss, and the teen driver now faces the consequences of a moment of poor judgment that led to fatal results.
Cases like this also highlight the need for more comprehensive driver education and parental oversight, especially for teenagers handling powerful vehicles. Ensuring that young drivers are not only technically prepared but emotionally mature enough to understand the weight of their responsibilities behind the wheel is critical in preventing similar tragedies.
As the legal process unfolds, the story of the Valentine’s Day crash in Pembroke Pines stands as a powerful example of how quickly life can be lost when speed, inexperience, and recklessness intersect.