Here’s a rewritten version of the article, preserving all verifiable facts and presented with a breaking-news lead:
Breaking News: Two Teens Killed in Wrong-Way Crash; Suspect Identified as Undocumented Immigrant with Prior DUI
Madison, WI – A tragic wrong-way collision on a highway outside Madison has claimed the lives of two teenagers, Hallie Helgeson, 18, and Brady Heiling, 19. The suspect,identified as 30-year-old Honduran national Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila,was allegedly driving under the influence and in the incorrect lane of traffic when the crash occurred on july 20th.
Helgeson, a passenger in the vehicle, died at the scene. Heiling, the driver, sustained critical injuries and passed away five days later after undergoing multiple unsuccessful surgeries.According to officials,Martinez-Avila,who is reportedly an undocumented immigrant from Honduras,was driving her SUV the wrong way on the highway. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Tricia McLaughlin, stated that Martinez-Avila is an “illegal alien from Honduras” and that the crash would have been preventable if not for her actions.
The incident has highlighted concerns regarding sanctuary policies in dane County, where Madison is located. McLaughlin commented that such jurisdictions “have a history of not honoring ICE arrest detainers frequently enough leading to the release of murderers and other heinous criminals.”
Records indicate that martinez-Avila had a previous drunk driving conviction in November 2020. she also has a history of other traffic violations, including driving without a license, speeding, following too closely, and inattentive driving, as reported by the Wisconsin State Journal. due to her prior DUI, Martinez-Avila was reportedly required to have an ignition interlock device installed in her vehicle, which prevents a car from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath. Though, this device was reportedly not in use during the fatal collision.
Martinez-Avila has been charged with two counts of felony vehicular homicide and impaired driving. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on her,seeking to take her into federal custody for deportation proceedings.
Jen Heiling, Brady Heiling’s mother, posted online about her son’s death, expressing her grief and hope that his donated organs could save other lives.