A Durham man, Josue Alejandro Quintanilla-Reyes, is facing trial for allegedly shooting and killing another driver during a road rage incident on Interstate 40 East near North Harrison Avenue last year. Jury selection began Monday morning in Wake County Superior Court.
According to court records, the victim, Ricardo Baez Cardenas, was driving to work when he was shot by Quintanilla-Reyes in March 2025. Cardenas, a father of two, died from his injuries at a hospital. Prosecutors have charged Quintanilla-Reyes with one count of murder and three counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied conveyance.
If convicted of murder, Quintanilla-Reyes could face life in prison. However, prosecutors have indicated they will not seek the death penalty. The defense has notified the court that Quintanilla-Reyes intends to claim self-defense at trial.
In addition to state charges, Quintanilla-Reyes is also facing a federal charge of possession of a firearm by an alien illegally and unlawfully present in the United States. This charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison if convicted.
The defense has filed a motion requesting that the court prevent prosecutors from introducing evidence about Quintanilla-Reyes' immigration status at trial, arguing that it could mislead the jury and cause unfair prejudice.