2 arrested by Colorado Springs police in connection to fatal head-on collision from March 22 car race

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - Colorado Springs police have made two arrests in connection with the March 22 fatal head-on collision from a car race.

77-year-old Deanna Stemler was killed days after the crash on Briargate Boulevard near Lexington Drive, after unwittingly getting in the middle of a car race. The El Paso County Coroner’s Office later identified her.

Colorado Springs police said officers obtained arrest warrants for 48-year-old Jerome Archer and 18-year-old Leeanaya Joey Martinez.

Police said Archer turned himself in last Thursday and was booked into the El Paso County jail. He is accused of causing a fatal crash while participating in illegal street racing, as well as charges related to the death and the alleged racing activity.

Police said Martinez turned himself in Monday and was also booked to the El Paso County jail. He is accused of causing a fatal crash while participating in an illegal street racing event. He is facing charges related to the death, leaving the scene of a crash involving a fatality, participating in an illegal speed contest, failing to maintain required vehicle insurance and failing to report the crash.

Police said this remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with any information that could help with this investigation is asked to contact Colorado Springs police at 719-444-7000 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 719-634-STOP (7867).