A West Seattle man has been charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, felony hit-and-run, attempting to elude police, and reckless driving after allegedly causing a high-speed DUI crash on SR 509 that killed a woman and seriously injured her husband, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Edgar Gonzalez Moreno, 26, was charged in King County Superior Court on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in connection with the tragic, deadly collision that occurred late Saturday night, Feb. 22. Authorities say he was drunk and using cocaine while fleeing police at speeds approaching 100 mph when he slammed into another vehicle, killing 53-year-old Cordelia Chen-Gilchrist (aka Della Chen) and severely injuring her husband, Ryan Gilchrist, 58.
Police Pursuit and Crash Details
According to charging documents, a King County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull over Gonzalez Moreno’s black Jeep Grand Cherokee after noticing his erratic driving and learning he had an active felony warrant. Instead of stopping, Gonzalez Moreno allegedly accelerated, re-entered the highway, and sped away.
Within moments, his vehicle crashed into the back of a Toyota Corolla, forcing it off the road and into a tree. Ryan Gilchrist was driving the victim vehicle, and his 18-year-old daughter was in the front seat. His wife Della was in the rear seat. Mr. Gilchrist suffered a fractured back and other internal injuries, and sadly, his wife suffered catastrophic injuries and died in the hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning. Their daughter was not substantially injured.
Suspect’s Attempt to Flee
After the crash, authorities say Gonzalez Moreno and his two teenage passengers exited the vehicle. While the teens remained at the scene, Gonzalez Moreno allegedly tried to flee on foot but was quickly caught by the pursuing deputy.
When detained, officers noted he reeked of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and was unsteady on his feet. Witnesses, including his teenage passengers, told police he had been drinking and using cocaine while driving.
Charging documents state that multiple open and unopened Modelo beer containers were found in the front passenger area of the suspect’s vehicle, along with a white powdery residue suspected to be cocaine.
A search warrant was obtained for a blood test, which is pending analysis.
Prior Criminal History and Charges
Prosecutors noted that Gonzalez Moreno has a history of DUI offenses and was already required to have an ignition interlock device installed in any vehicle he drove. However, no such device was found in the Jeep he was driving.
In addition to vehicular homicide, he is facing charges for:
- Vehicular assault for injuries sustained by Ryan Gilchrist
- Felony hit-and-run for attempting to flee the scene
- Attempting to elude a police vehicle
- Reckless driving
Prosecutors have requested $750,000 bail, citing Gonzalez Moreno as a flight risk and a danger to the community due to his history of failing to appear in court and multiple outstanding warrants.
What’s Next
Gonzalez Moreno remains in custody, and his arraignment is set for later this month. If convicted, he faces significant prison time.
Authorities urge any additional witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues.
Truely a sad event and questions need answered, such as. Where in Burien was he visiting, where did he buy the cocaine and what’s the story with the two sixteen year olds?