Lawrenceville, Georgia – A 21-year-old man has been indicted in connection with the tragic death of Georgia State Patrol trooper Jimmy Cenescar. Gerson Danilo Ayala-Rodriguez faces charges of felony murder, first-degree vehicular homicide, tampering with evidence, and multiple counts of fleeing from the police, reckless driving, and other related offenses. The indictment came following a high-speed police chase in Atlanta on January 28 that ended in the fatal crash involving Trooper Cenescar.
According to authorities, Cenescar, 28, was attempting to pull over a motorcycle for a traffic violation on Interstate 85 north near Old Peachtree Road when his patrol car veered off the road, hitting various obstacles before coming to a stop. Despite efforts by emergency medical personnel, Cenescar succumbed to his injuries at Northside Gwinnett Hospital.
Ayala-Rodriguez was arrested in early February in Norcross, accused of speeding on a Honda motorcycle and evading Cenescar’s attempts to pull him over. The district attorney’s office stated that Ayala-Rodriguez reached speeds of up to 140 mph, endangering civilian vehicles and ultimately leading to the fatal crash.
The grand jury indictment highlights the seriousness of the charges brought against Ayala-Rodriguez, who is currently held without bond at the Gwinnett County Jail, awaiting trial. District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson emphasized the gravity of the situation, vowing to pursue the case with utmost diligence and seek justice for the fallen trooper.
Following the fatal incident, Cenescar’s funeral was held in February, marking a somber farewell to a dedicated member of the Georgia State Patrol. The details of the tragic events surrounding Cenescar’s death serve as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty, underscoring the importance of upholding traffic laws and ensuring public safety on the roads. Ayala-Rodriguez’s actions and their consequences exemplify the severe impact of reckless driving and evading law enforcement, shedding light on the need for accountability and justice in such cases.
As the legal proceedings unfold and the community grapples with the loss of Trooper Cenescar, the indictment of Ayala-Rodriguez stands as a testament to the pursuit of justice and accountability in the face of tragedy. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of upholding traffic laws to prevent further loss of life on the roads.