09-04-2025
Mustang driver pleads not guilty to killing woman in Burlingame crosswalk
(KRON) — A Ford Mustang driver accused of swerving around Burlingame traffic during morning commute and striking and killing a woman in a crosswalk pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run on Tuesday, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office.
Joel Ordanes Gilongos, a 52-year-old Millbrae resident, was speeding south down El Camino Real in his red Mustang around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, while on his way to work in San Mateo, prosecutors wrote. When Gilongos reached the Trousdale Drive intersection, he flew through his red light and struck 61-year-old Arlene Ocampo, according to the DA's office.
Ocampo was walking inside the crosswalk during the collision, prosecutors wrote. Gilongos 'did not stop and just kept driving to work,' the DA's office wrote. Law enforcement would later take him into custody at his workplace.
The woman, a mother of two daughters, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Ocampo 'dedicated her life to being a caregiver for 30+ years,' a GoFundMe organized by family stated. 'She loved cooking, gardening and attended church every Sunday. If Arlene wasn't spending time with her daughters or at church, she was gallivanting on her own adventure. She is a beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend whose presence brought light, warmth, and joy to all who knew her.'
During arraignment in San Mateo County Superior Court on Tuesday, Gilongos pleaded not guilty to both charges. He was released from custody on a $100,000 bail bond.
A preliminary hearing in the case is set for May 22 at 9 a.m.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
