LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A grieving family is demanding justice for a 17-year-old Seneca High School student killed by an accused drunk driver last month.
Family and friends of Mohammad Hussein gathered with signs outside the courthouse Tuesday morning before a hearing for of 27-year-old Ernesto Ocampo, the defendant in the case, calling for accountability.
"This is a part of my heart. My son. He's 17 years old. We can't stop without justice," said Hussein's mother, Suad Jassar.
Louisville Metro Police said Ocampo was speeding and driving under the influence on Shepherdsville Road on April 22 when he crashed into the back of a Toyota that was stopped at a red light.
The impact from that crash caused a chain reaction, with the Toyota then rear ending a Pontiac that then crashed into a Buick. Mohammad Hussein, who was in the back seat of the Toyota, was taken to University of Louisville Hospital, where he died.
"My brother was sitting in the back seat of a car, out with his friends, on his way to come back home," Asmaa Hussein said. "It could have been anyone's child. Imagine anyone's child dying because someone wanted to drink, 'cause someone is so (irresponsible)."
Inside the courtroom, witnesses described the crash as Hussein's family watched on.
A reserve deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office saw the crash on his way home. On the stand in court on Tuesday, he got emotional discussing the aftermath of the crash.
"I turned back to the Toyota, just to see what I could do, but the damage was so severe to the car, the center pillar was crushed into the front doors, I couldn't open them if I wanted to," he said.
LMPD officers who responded to the scene also testified during the hearing.
"I asked him, did he know how he got there? And he responded 'No.' And I said 'Man, you smell of alcohol. How many drinks have you had?' And he responded 'Three.'"
Family friends said Hussein, a high school junior, previously attended Fern Creek High School but had recently transferred to Seneca High School.
Four other people were also taken to the hospital after the crash.
Police said Ocampo had a blood alcohol level more than four times the legal limit. He is charged with murder, five counts of wanton endangerment and operating a motor vehicle under the influence. Louisville Metro Police said he does not have a valid drivers license.
"Ernesto Ocampo is a murderer, and he should be in prison for the rest of his life so he doesn't kill anybody else," Asmaa Hussein said.
During Tuesday's hearing, prosecutors argued that Ocampo is a flight risk and requested that his bond be increased. The judge agreed and ordered Ocampo's bond raised from $100,000 to $500,000 full cash.
The case will now be presented to a grand jury for a possible indictment.
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- Police: 17-year-old killed after Louisville man with BAC 4 times legal limit crashes into 3 cars
- Bond set at $100,000 for man accused of driving drunk and killing Louisville teen
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