Ron Pierce, Israel Maldonado appear in court to answer for murder charges related to Nov. fatal collision

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Ronald Pierce, the man police say was behind a deadly street racing crash, is set to go to trial in July.

On Tuesday, Pierce and Israel Maldonado were arraigned with both pleading not guilty to charges connected to the deadly November crash.

Pierce faces multiple charges, including a count of second-degree murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Their trials are set to start July 13.

Maldonado also faces multiple counts including second-degree murder. Both will be back in court in June for readiness hearings.

According to court documents, on November 24, both Pierce and Maldonado were racing northbound on Old River Road when Pierce lost control and hit a minivan driven by 58-year-old Maria Navarro. Navarro’s minivan then hit a crane truck. Navarro later died. Two minors were also injured, but survived.

Pierce's bail remains at $1 million, while Maldonado was released on his $250,000 bail bond.