Deadly Hit & Run Suspect Appears In Court

DENVER (CBS4)- A hit and run suspect in a deadly crash on Christmas Day appeared in court on Thursday.

Johnny Gilbert has been charged with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, vehicular assault, second-degree assault, two counts of third-degree assault and DUI>

Police say Gilbert, 37, drove through a red light at 51st Avenue and Peoria Street and crashed into another car carrying a family home from a Christmas Eve celebration.

The crash killed Dora Gaytan-Esparza, 35, and injured her husband and two children.

Gilbert was arrested shortly after the crash not far from the scene.

Gilbert appeared in court on Thursday for a preliminary hearing.