Leonel Molina Rios, 58, Charged For Homicide By Intoxicated Use Of A Vehicle And Knownly Operate Vehicle Without License Causing Death Of 74-year-old Victim

Molina Rios allegedly crashed into a 74-year-old driver causing his death while allegedly driving under the influence in Franklin, Wisconsin.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

November 6, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Wednesday, Leonel "Leo" Molina Rios, 58, of Greenfield was charged in Milwaukee County for homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and knownly operate a vehicle without a license causing the death of a 74-year-old male victim in a two vehicle crash on November 2, 2024 in Franklin.

If convicted, Molina Rios is facing up to 25 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines, or both for homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, and up to 6 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines, or both for knownly operating a vehicle without a license. 

A $150,000 cash bail has been set for Molina Rios until his preliminary court appearance on November 15, 2024.

Franklin police responded to a two vehicle crash on November 2, at around 6:40 p.m. on Rawson Avenue and Lovers Road where they located a 74-year-old male driver with critical injuries that he sustained during a crash with Molina Rios. The 74-year-old man died at the scene, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office. 

Molina Rios remained at the crash scene and was taken to a local hospital for treatment of injuries and was taken into custody.

Molina Rios is well known in the Milwaukee Latino community for being a popular Spanish Speaking radio personality and a former member of the Wisconsin Brown Berets.