LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Editor's Note: The above video is from previous coverage of this story and will not reflect the latest information. Read below for more details.
A 21-year-old man who is accused of leading a high-speed chase that led to the death of a Georgia State Patrol Trooper was formally indicted on Wednesday, according to the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office.
Gerson Ayala-Rodriguez faces charges including felony murder, first-degree vehicular homicide, tampering with evidence and three counts of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.
“The important thing to remember is that this defendant’s reckless behavior led to the tragic death of Trooper Jimmy Cenescar,” Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “This was inexcusable, and we intend to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law.”
Ayala-Rodriguez is accused in connection to the death of GSP Trooper Jimmy Cenescar on the evening of January 28.
According to the district attorney's office, it all started when Trooper Cenescar attempted to pull over Ayala-Rodriguez for traveling at a high speed, reaching speeds of up to 140 mph.
Cenescar died after officers said Ayala-Rodriguez zipped his motorcycle between two cars, forcing the trooper to swerve and lose control of his patrol car.
Trooper Cenescar's patrol car went off the road on I-85 south of State Route 317 and down a steep embankment during the chase. The district attorney's office said Cenescar's patrol car hit trees, shrubbery, a street sign and a retaining wall.
According to the district attorney, shortly after the crash, the suspect allegedly destroyed the license plate on his motorcycle during the chase.
The trooper's death came with an outpour of condolences, including from Gov. Brian Kemp. His funeral was in February, and Gov. Kemp attended and spoke about Cenescar.
Kemp described him as a "young public safety officer" with "years of experiences and opportunities that lay ahead and a career dedicated to protecting others." The governor also said that Cenescar leaves behind a loving family and a fiancée.
As for Ayala-Rodriguez, he remains in the Gwinnett County Jail without bond while he awaits his trial.