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Alleged Colorado Springs street racers plead not guilty to vehicular homicide

A duo accused of an illegal street race that led to a fatal crash in Colorado Springs pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide charges.

Leeanaya Martinez, 18, entered his plea in an El Paso County courtroom Wednesday morning. He and 48-year-old Jerome Archer, who pleaded not guilty July 29, are headed to trial unless they decide to take separate plea deals before the scheduled dates, though prosecutors noted their plea offers were revoked due to their pleas.

The two are charged with vehicular homicide and driving 40 mph over the speed limit. Martinez also faces charges related to fleeing the scene and failure to report the incident.

The crash killed 77-year-old Deanna Stemler, whose vehicle was struck head-on. The collision occurred March 22 near Briargate Boulevard and Lexington Drive.

Stemler was born in Fort Collins in 1948 and graduated from Englewood High School in 1966, according to her obituary. She started her career as a secretary for Frontier Airlines before becoming the director of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs. She was also a member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church.

Archer’s trial is set for Oct. 19, and Martinez’s trial is slated for Nov. 16. Fourth Judicial District Judge William Bain is expected to oversee both trials.



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