Man Charged With Killing EMT With Her Own Ambulance Found Guilty of Murder One

By Hamodia Staff

Jose Gonzalez was found guilty of first-degree murder for running over 14-year FDNY veteran EMT Yadira Arroyo with her own ambulance after commandeering it on March 16, 2017 in the Bronx.

During their six hours of deliberation, the jury requested to view the surveillance and cellphone video from the deadly incident.

Gonzales was riding on the back of the ambulance when Arroyo got out to investigate. After jumping into the driver’s seat, he the vehicle in reverse and ran over Arroyo, and dragged her into an intersection at White Plains Road and Watson Avenue.

Gonzalez’ attorneys and prosecutors agreed he killed Arroyo, but the defense stated that he intended to kill her, but wanted to use the ambulance to get medical attention for an injury. They also claimed he was so high on PCP and was in a state of “delusional psychosis” that he could not be held responsible for his actions. Jurors, however, saw video of his actions both before and during the incident and decided that his intent was to harm the victim.

“The road to justice for Yadi was tortuous; this case was delayed because of numerous hearings regarding the defendant’s fitness to stand trial, but her family and FDNY colleagues were patient and steadfast from the beginning until today’s verdict,” Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said in a statement.

“Today, we are grateful to the Bronx district attorney and the jurors who have found him guilty — and know this justice is one step to help all those who loved Yadi heal,” FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said.

Gonzalez is set to be sentenced on April 5, the DA’s office said. He faces a sentence of life in prison.