LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On September 9, Arkansas State Police arrested a man in connection to a fatal wreck that killed a Little Rock woman near Arch Street in Little Rock.
According to reports, 30-year-old Maynor Yair Sorto-Herrera was driving a 2008 Ford F150 when he crossed into the opposite lane, striking a 2016 Honda CRV head-on.
The driver of the Honda, 48-year-old Jennifer Ann Morton of Little Rock was killed in the crash. Morton was a respiratory therapist in the Infant Toddler Unit of Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
“Our hearts are heavy for the Morton family as they are devastated by the loss of Jennifer, who devoted her life to compassionate care of children,” said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar. “I know our Troopers want to honor her memory by doing their part to make sure this man is held responsible for her death.”
Herrera was located near the scene and taken to UAMS for treatment of his injuries.
He was later transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center and charged with negligent homicide, battery, DUI, violation of the concealed weapons act, reckless driving, driving without a license, failure to stop after an accident with death, and other traffic violations.
Herrera is a native of Honduras who had been "illegally residing" in Alexander, Arkansas.
In October 2018, he was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol near Laredo, Texas, and removed from the United States.
Herrera returned to Honduras on November 5, 2018, and officials stated it is unclear when he returned to the U.S. He is currently being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“I am devastated for the loss of nurse Jennifer Ann Morton. Our state will feel the loss of this woman’s life and sends its prayers and sympathies to her entire family,” said Governor Sanders. “We will use every tool available to prosecute the illegal immigrant who caused this senseless death, but let’s be clear: he never should have been in this country to begin with. President Biden and Vice President Harris opened our borders wide. It’s time for the federal government to step up, close the border, and end the mayhem in our communities.”
