DEMING – A man accused in a fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 10 in Luna County will remain in custody without bond after a judge found he poses a continuing danger to the community.
Sixth Judicial District Attorney Norman R. Wheeler announced Tuesday that 32-year-old Artem Durnov was ordered held without bond following a preliminary hearing in Sixth Judicial District Court.
According to investigators, New Mexico State Police received reports at approximately 1:39 a.m. on May 8 of a vehicle traveling the wrong way on Interstate 10. Authorities determined Durnov was driving westbound in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 102.
The resulting head-on collision involved two other vehicles and claimed the life of one driver.
Durnov is charged with one count of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, one count of aggravated fleeing a law enforcement officer resulting in injury, one count of driving while under the influence of drugs, and one count of reckless driving.
Chief Deputy District Attorney George Zsoka represented the State during the hearing before District Judge Jarod Hofacket. The judge granted the State’s motion for pretrial detention, citing concerns that Durnov poses a continuing danger to the community, lacks known community ties, and presents a flight risk.
Following the hearing, the court found sufficient evidence to bind Durnov over for trial on all charges. He will remain in custody pending further court proceedings unless otherwise ordered by the court.
All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
By: John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications, LLC – john@bravomic.com
