An undocumented immigrant faces four counts of second-degree murder following a devastating head-on collision on Interstate 40 in Canadian County, Oklahoma, that claimed the lives of four young people.
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Shortly after midnight on Friday, May 22, 2026, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) received multiple emergency calls reporting a vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-40 near Czech Hall Road. Moments later, the wrong-way vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming car. The impact caused both vehicles to immediately burst into flames.
All four occupants of the struck vehicle died at the scene.
Victims Identified
The victims, aged 18 to 20, were closely connected to the local area, with three being recent graduates of El Reno High School. They have been identified as:
- Kiercey Hickson, 20
- Quincy Jones, 19
- Haleigh Salazar, 18
- Brad Palmer, 18/19
A community vigil was held at El Reno High School, where family, friends, and former teachers gathered to mourn the sudden loss.
Suspect and Charges
The driver of the wrong-way vehicle, Michael Salomon Rosario-Cruz, 26/27, was rescued from the burning wreckage by first responders. After being treated at a local hospital for serious injuries, he was released on May 26, 2026, and booked into the Canadian County Jail.
Rosario-Cruz faces several severe charges, including:
- Four counts of second-degree murder
- Two counts of DUI causing great bodily injury
- Possession of a firearm while under the influence
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
- Transporting an open container
- Driving the wrong way on a divided highway
Immigration Detainer Issued
Following his arrest, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed an immigration detainer on Rosario-Cruz. This request ensures that federal authorities will be notified prior to any potential release from local custody so he can face deportation proceedings. Details regarding his country of origin and his entry into the United States have not yet been released.
