East Grand Forks Man Pleads 'Not Guilty' In Deadly GF Accident

An East Grand Forks man facing homicide charges after a crash that killed two people pled not guilty today.

24-year-old Celso Garza faces 63 years in prison for nine charges, including homicide and running away from an officer.

Police say Garza was speeding in Grand Forks while trying to escape police officers for running a red light.

UND police said Garza ran the red light at the intersection of University Avenue and Columbia Road, then sped off southbound on Columbia. When officers approached his car Garza hit another car..

19-year-old Tasha Brenno and 21-year-old James Freestone were dead at the scene. 22-year-old Kathryn Olson and 18-year-old Michael Badurek were taken to Altru for injuries.

Family members say the four were going home from breakfast after a late night shift at Hugo's.

Friends and family have brought flowers and candles to a spot near the accident.

Garza will be back in court for a pre-trial conference October 21st.

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