C. Fernandez Pedra asked judge to allow her to await trial in freedom: “I am not a criminal”

ORANJESTAD – “I am not a criminal. This was a terrible accident.” With those words, C. Fernandez Pedra asked the Court on Friday morning to allow her to await the remainder of her criminal proceedings while at liberty. Fernandez Pedra is the driver involved in the fatal January 4, 2026, accident in which two pedestrians lost their lives. During the hearing, Fernandez Pedra addressed the judge directly because, according to her, she is currently without legal representation. She said her request to have a specialized attorney from the Netherlands admitted to the case was denied and that several local attorneys had withdrawn from her defense.

WITHOUT A LAWYER

“I am currently without a lawyer representing me,” Fernandez Pedra declared. “I am asking the Court to allow me to await the remainder of my trial while I remain free.” According to the defendant, the case is exceptional because of its enormous social and media impact.

GREAT PUBLIC OUTCRY

“My case has caused great commotion across the entire island. Two people lost their lives and the social pressure is enormous,” she said, arguing that this is precisely why she wants an attorney with experience in complex cases. Fernandez Pedra also expressed deep remorse for the tragedy. “What happened is terrible. I carry it with me every day, and I will continue to carry it for the rest of my life. I never intended for this to happen,” she said in her statement before the court.

NOT A DANGER TO SOCIETY

According to her, she does not pose a danger to society. “This is the first time in my life that I have come into contact with the law. I am not a criminal, nor am I a danger to the community,” she stated. She added that she is willing to comply with any conditions the court may impose, including reporting requirements, a driving ban or any other measures.

MENTAL HEALTH

The 24-year-old also told the court that her detention is seriously affecting her mental health. “My continued detention is not helping me. On the contrary, it is making my situation worse,” she said, adding that an outside psychologist is willing to treat her trauma.

INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE

At the end of her statement, Fernandez Pedra asked the Court to take into account that no verdict has yet been rendered against her. “I have not yet been convicted. I ask to be treated as an innocent person until proven otherwise,” she concluded. The judge took the request into consideration. However, after a 15-minute recess, the judge ruled that Fernandez Pedra will remain in pretrial detention at KIA. “I have bad news for you. You will remain detained,” the judge told the defendant. According to the judge, there are sufficient compelling reasons to keep the defendant in custody. The judge also stated that the community is still in shock and that the court cannot identify any conditions under which the defendant could await trial while at liberty. The criminal case relating to the fatal January 4 accident remains pending and will continue on October 2 at 8:30 a.m.