Judge Revokes $5,000 Bond for Man Accused of Intentionally Causing Fatal Crash That killed his Girlfriend and her daughter
A judge in Prince William County has changed his mind about allowing a $5,000 bond for a man accused of murder.
The charges are related to a car crash that killed his girlfriend and her 5-year-old daughter.
The prosecution returned to court with new evidence to convince the judge to revoke the bond that was set initially.
Silent footage from a dashboard camera captures the terror on Dorothy Fontaine's face just seconds before the crash, which prosecutors allege was caused intentionally by her boyfriend, Mustafa Aljazairi.
Fontaine's daughter, Empress, was in the back seat at the time.
The prosecutor informed the judge that a lip reader analyzed the video and concluded that Fontaine said, "No! Empress is in the car," as the vehicle swerved left into oncoming traffic.
This evidence was used to show that Aljazairi is too dangerous to be let out on bond.
The prosecutor likened the incident to a situation where someone shoots and kills two people, stating, "He used his vehicle as a weapon on April 5, 2023, resulting in the murder of two individuals."
In defense, attorney Blake Weiner argued that his client was attempting to pass another car, ran out of space at an intersection, and panicked.
Weiner argued against the idea that the video or Fontaine's words showed Aljazairi would be dangerous if let out on bond.
"It doesn't suggest whether the deceased thought my client acted intentionally," Weiner said.
"It shows that as she perceived impending danger, her first thought was, 'Oh no, my daughter is in the car.'"
Prosecutors also brought in the crash scene investigator to back up their idea that the crash was on purpose.
Sgt. Chad Mason testified that there were no skid marks at the scene, only evidence of light braking, with the most significant damage on the passenger side.
Aljazairi's attorney, however, argued that this evidence supported their case.
"The testimony supports our theory that he was trying to maintain control, which is the natural reaction in a desperate, dangerous situation," Weiner said.
The judge's decision seemed to be mostly affected by the prosecutor's report.
They said Aljazairi threatened a jail guard, claiming he knew where she lived and would find her after he got out.
Aljazairi's family, who had been patiently waiting outside the jail, were upset about the judge's decision and also doubted the validity of the jail threat accusation.
"It doesn't make sense that Mustafa would make such a threat," said his brother, Mohammed Aljazairi.
"Why would he plan another crime if he believes he will be found innocent?"
Aljazairi’s attorney is currently considering whether to file an appeal.
The trial is scheduled for early December.
Tell us what you think in the comments. Should he be let out on bond?
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