Ryan and Jen Ambrosio: Parents of 6 killed after man in stolen truck crashes into SUV during police chase
PONTIAC, MICHIGAN: In a heartbreaking turn of events, Ryan Ambrosio and Jen Ambrosio, parents of six young children, died in a tragic collision with a suspect fleeing police in a stolen vehicle.
The man, identified as Angel Melendez-Ortiz from Romulus, Michigan, now faces multiple serious charges related to the devastating incident that occurred on January 6.
What are the charges against Angel Melendez-Ortiz?
Melendez-Ortiz, 35, has been charged with two counts each of second-degree murder, first-degree fleeing and eluding police causing death, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle with a suspended license, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
Despite the severity of the accusations, the suspect pleaded not guilty on January 10, with his bond set at $1.5 million, as reported by CBS News.
His next court date is set for January 24.
What led to the tragic vehicular collision that killed Ryan Ambrosio and Jen Ambrosio?
The fatal chain of events unfolded as Melendez-Ortiz allegedly attempted to evade law enforcement in a stolen pickup truck.
It escalated into a harrowing, wrong-way, high-speed chase down a Pontiac, Michigan, freeway, with the man reportedly reaching speeds exceeding 100 mph and driving with his headlights off.
At around 1.30 am when Melendez-Ortiz collided head-on with the Ambrosios' SUV, instantly claiming the lives of Ryan, 45, and Jen, 43. The Farmington Hills couple, well-known and cherished in their community, left behind six children aged two to nine.
A GoFundMe campaign launched in support of the grieving family has garnered overwhelming support, raising over the initial goal of $600,000 at the time of writing.
The fundraiser's description read, "Ryan and Jen Ambrosio were on their way home from a date night when their lives were cut short in a fatal car wreck. They were so loved, by so many of us. Their families, friends, church, and community groups are reeling from this shocking loss."
