An illegal immigrant, Ulises Raigoz-Martinez, has been charged with killing Nashville restaurant owner Matthew Carney in a hit-and-run crash, spotlighting the ongoing issues surrounding border security and immigration enforcement.
Ulises Raigoz-Martinez, a 24-year-old illegal alien from Mexico, has been charged with criminal homicide, tampering with evidence, vehicle theft, criminal impersonation, and evading arrest after allegedly causing a hit-and-run crash that killed 42-year-old Matthew Carney, owner of the Smokin Thighs restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee.
Raigoz-Martinez, described by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a "got-away" who successfully crossed the United States-Mexico border undetected by Border Patrol, was detained after the incident. ICE confirmed to FOX17 News that they have placed an immigration detainer on Raigoz-Martinez following his arrest. An ICE official stated, "Raigoza entered the United States on an unknown date and location, without being admitted or paroled by an immigration officer."
Raigoz-Martinez has a lengthy criminal record, and in March, Davidson County Judge Tim Todd dismissed three charges against him. It remains unclear why he was not handed over to ICE following his previous arrests.
Matthew Carney's obituary remembers him as a "joyful spirit" known for his "loud laugh and his smile that lit up the room." It states, "His friends knew him as the life of the party, with his positive attitude, jokes, and loyalty to those he loved. He loved big. Matt was happiest when outside on his boat with friends and family, rock crawling in his KRX side by side, pushing dirt at Highwater, or wrenching in the garage with his dog, Mr. Kitty."
Carney is survived by his wife Molly, his parents Clifford Carney and Debra Taylor, his brother Adam Carney, sister Katelin Jeffers, step-brother Donald Hall, step-sister Kim Kuster, and grandmother Patricia Carney, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Raigoz-Martinez remains in custody at the Nashville Downtown Detention Center, with ICE officials requesting custody if he is released from jail at any time.
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