An illegal immigrant from Mexico, Ulises Raigoz-Martinez, has been charged in connection with the murder of Smokin Thighs restaurant owner Matthew Carney in a hit-and-run crash, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Raigoz-Martinez is facing charges of criminal homicide and evidence tampering in relation to Carney’s death.
The Metro Nashville Police Department revealed that Raigoz-Martinez, who is accused of being an auto thief, was the subject of a search that began on July 11 when he led officers on a high-speed chase in Williamson County. While two occupants of the stolen vehicle were apprehended, Raigoz-Martinez managed to escape.
It has been confirmed that Raigoz-Martinez has a significant criminal history, with Judge Tim Todd allegedly dismissing three charges during a preliminary hearing on March 6. ICE placed an immigration detainer on Raigoz-Martinez, who is unlawfully present in Tennessee, following his arrest for homicide, vehicle theft, and evading arrest on July 19.
ICE stated that Raigoz-Martinez entered the United States without being admitted or paroled by an immigration officer, and his exact date and location of entry are unknown. Investigations into Raigoz-Martinez’s case are ongoing, according to Nashville Police.
The tragic incident involving the death of Matthew Carney has once again brought attention to the issue of illegal immigration and its implications. Cases like this highlight the need for stronger border security measures and more rigorous enforcement of immigration laws to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
It is essential for law enforcement agencies to work together effectively to ensure that individuals like Raigoz-Martinez, with a history of criminal activities, are brought to justice and held accountable for their actions. The safety and security of the community should always be a top priority, and efforts must be made to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
