Suspected drunk driver's lawyer discusses case details in deadly prom night crash

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The lawyer for suspected drunk driver Edin Palacios, Emily Detoto, discussed details of the deadly prom night crash today that killed a teenager on her way home from the prom recently.

Driver awaits hearing on deadly prom night crash charges

"He was very remorseful, he was very confused about the process," she said.

Defense attorney Detoto says her 26-year-old client is sorry about the crash that killed 18-year-old Jocelynn Valero on her prom night, as he tried to escape being pulled over by Houston Police.

"He's presumed innocent and we plan on pleading not guilty," said Detoto.

The attorney claims officers could have opted for a less aggressive approach in pursuing Palacios, and if they wanted to arrest him they likely already had his license plate and description.

"Someone has to die before we can address the issue of aggressive police chases," she said.

Palacios is on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold, which means his immigration status in question, but Detoto cautions against giving that detail too much weight.

"His immigration status has nothing to do with his guilt or innocence in this case," she said.

Detoto also says her client is a construction worker that had just received a promotion, and she is not aware of any criminal history. She says a bond has not yet been set for him because he appeared before a visiting judge.

Palacios is charged with murder and evading arrest.

Houston Police say Palacios was running from police when his pickup truck struck the car carrying Valero and her prom date.

Valero died at the scene of the violent crash, while her date was transported the hospital for surgery. He survived the wreck along with Palacios, who only had minor injuries.