Man accused of chase that killed state trooper indicted on murder charges, Gwinnett DA’s office says

A grand jury indicted a man accused of leading a Georgia State Trooper on a high-speed chase that ultimately ended in his death.

Trooper Jimmy Cenescar, 28, died in January while working for Georgia State Patrol on Jan. 28.

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GSP said he was trying to stop a motorcyclist on the run on Interstate 85 when his patrol car hit an embankment near SR 317 in Suwanee.

Doctors pronounced him dead at the hospital.

Gerson Danilo Ayala-Rodriguez, 21, was formally charged with felony murder, first-degree vehicular homicide, tampering with evidence, and three counts of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.

Additionally, Ayala-Rodriguez faces misdemeanor charges for reckless driving, and speeding, two counts each of driving without a license, operating a vehicle without insurance, and operating an unregistered vehicle.

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On Wednesday, the DA’s Office announced an indictment for Ayala-Rodriguez.

“The important thing to remember is that this defendant’s reckless behavior led to the tragic death of Trooper Jimmy Cenescar,” said Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson. “This was inexcusable, and we intend to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law.”

Cenescar’s family and friends held a funeral for him in February.

Ayala-Rodriguez remains in the Gwinnett County Jail without bond as he awaits trial.

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