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Man arrested in deadly Taft Highway crash pleads not guilty

Man arrested in deadly Taft Highway crash pleads not guilty
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Franklin Villalta-Juarez pleaded not guilty to several charges in court on Tuesday. 

Villalta-Juarez, 24, was arrested Sunday evening after he reportedly attempted to pass another vehicle while driving a stolen car, striking the other car and causing it to roll.

Angel Marie Mulley, 20, died at the scene and her husband and 7-month-old daughter had minor injuries.

Police arrested Villalta-Juarez after learning that the Camry he was driving was reported stolen.

According to court records, Villalta-Juarez who was arrested has several driving violations on his record.

Villalta-Juarez faces charges including vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, possessing a stolen vehicle, taking vehicle without owner's consent, reckless driving, driving with a suspended or revoked license and hit and run causing death or permanent or serious injury.

Villalta-Juarez will be back in court on Oct. 27.

RELATED: Woman killed on Taft Highway crash after man attempts to pass in stolen vehicle
 

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