The man accused of causing a deadly wrong-way crash on I-15 in Salt Lake City is also under investigation in connection with a sexual assault incident that happened just minutes before the collision, according to the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Investigators say 21-year-old Jose Angel Torres Jimenez was allegedly driving south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 15 near 2100 South early Saturday when his vehicle slammed head-on into another car.
The victims, 17-year-old Anneka Wilson and 18-year-old Leo Shepherd, were inside a Nissan Rogue that caught fire after the impact. Both teens died at the scene.
Jimenez now faces multiple charges, including Automobile Homicide, DUI, and wrong-way driving. Official case details and updates are being coordinated through the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Police: Sexual Assault Call Came In Just Before Wrong-Way Crash
Salt Lake City police say that around 2 a.m., officers were dispatched to a report of a possible sexual assault only a few blocks from where the crash later occurred.
While those officers were on their way to the alleged assault location, they received a separate alert about a wrong-way driver on I-15. Shortly after, the fatal collision involving the teens was reported.
Detectives are now working to determine whether Jimenez was fleeing the scene of the alleged sexual assault when he entered the freeway in the wrong direction and crashed into the teens’ vehicle.
The department confirmed that the sexual assault investigation and the fatal crash are being treated as potentially connected incidents, although that link has not yet been officially established.
For statewide traffic safety initiatives and impaired driving enforcement efforts, residents can review resources from the Utah Department of Public Safety.
Community Grieving Loss Of Two Teen Victims
The deaths of Anneka Wilson and Leo Shepherd have devastated their families, friends, and school communities. The two teenagers were pronounced dead at the scene after their vehicle became fully engulfed in flames following the collision.
Authorities have described the crash as one of the most tragic outcomes of wrong-way DUI driving in recent months, and it has renewed calls for stronger impaired driving prevention, better ramp signage, and more real-time freeway warnings.
The investigation remains active, with additional charges possible as detectives piece together the timeline from the reported sexual assault to the fatal freeway crash.
What Happens Next For The Suspect
Jimenez is facing:
- Two counts of Automobile Homicide
- DUI-related offenses
- Wrong-way driving charges
Prosecutors will review all investigative reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance or traffic camera footage before a full charging decision and court schedule are confirmed.
Police are asking anyone who may have seen a vehicle traveling the wrong way on I-15 near 2100 South around 2 a.m. to contact investigators.
