Jurors heard closing arguments Tuesday in the trial for the man accused of running over and killing FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo nearly six years ago in the Bronx.
Both the defense and the prosecution agree that 31-year-old Jose Gonzalez is responsible for Arroyo’s death. They differ over whether Gonzalez intended to kill her.
Prosecutors argue that Gonzalez was fully aware of his actions and intended to kill Arroyo when he ran her over with her own ambulance. Arroyo’s loved ones sat in the courtroom and were, at times, brought to tears by the gruesome details.
“There is also no doubt at all when he turned that ambulance backwards and he ran her over with total disregard to the sacredness of human life,” said Arroyo’s aunt, Ali Acevedo-Hernandez. “And of course if he’s denying he saw her because he doesn’t want to take responsibility.”
During the proceedings, jurors watched surveillance video showing them the moments before and after the death of the 44-year-old mother of five.
“God willing the right decision, the only decision to be made for her, overdue justice is up to the jury at this time,” said Arroyo’s uncle, AJ Hernandez.
The defense argued Gonzalez should not be found guilty of murder because he was impaired by the drug PCP — also known as angel dust —which caused Gonzalez to have “delusional psychosis.” His attorneys said he intended to drive the ambulance to the hospital to seek treatment for a hand injury.
It happened in March 2017 when Arroyo was driving her ambulance with her EMT partner when they noticed Gonzalez riding on the back of the ambulance. When they got out to investigate, prosecutors say Gonzalez jumped into the ambulance driver seat with Arroyo tugging at him before putting the ambulance in reverse and running Arroyo over.
Prosecutors do not buy Gonzalez’s defense, and said he was not impaired but was fully aware of his actions. Arroyo’s fellow EMTs say they want Gonzalez found guilty of murder.
“And we’re gonna continue to come here until we hear the word guilty, on at least one of the charges,” said Oren Barcilyn, president of FDNY Local 257.
What the jury concludes about whether Gonzalez intended to kill Arroyo will be key.
The defense did not comment outside of court Tuesday nor did members of Gonzalez’s family.
Jurors will begin deliberating Wednesday over whether Gonzalez is guilty of murder and manslaughter, among other charges.
If convicted of the top charge of first degree murder, he could be sentenced to life in prison.