Passenger killed in racing-related crash was in car driven by sister, police say

LAS VEGAS (FOX5/Gray News) - One of the drivers and the victim who was killed in a racing-related crash in Las Vegas have been identified as sisters, according to an arrest report.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department initially responded to the Feb. 21 crash at 1:41 a.m. on East Silverado Ranch Boulevard near Bermuda Road.

It was determined that an orange 2022 Chevrolet Camaro and a maroon 2023 Mazda MX5 were traveling eastbound on East Silverado Ranch Boulevard at a high rate of speed. The two cars eventually collided and spun in opposite directions, with the Chevrolet striking a retaining wall and the Mazda crashing into a light pole and tree, according to police.

Initial reports state the passenger of the Mazda was “unable to get out of the vehicle” and was “not responsive.” A witness would later tell police that the passenger appeared to be “bleeding from the head.”

Arriving officers located a witness at the scene, who told police the vehicles appeared to be “racing or messing around” as they drove from the general area of South Point Casino.

The driver of the Camaro was identified by police as 24-year-old Jonathan Gallagher, who was riding by himself.

The Mazda driver was identified as 26-year-old Melissa Dettlaff. She informed police that the passenger of the Mazda was her sister, 24-year-old Jessica Dettlaff, who was confirmed dead at the scene.

Gallagher was transported to University Medical Center for minor injuries after passing a sobriety test. Melissa Dettlaff was also transported to Sunrise Hospital for injuries sustained in the crash.

“During close contract, while Melissa Dettlaff was lying on a gurney, Officer Ibara detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from her person,” the report notes.

Due to medical limitations, Melissa Dettlaff was unable to complete a sobriety test and two blood draw samples were taken one hour apart. The results of those tests are still pending, according to police.

Both Melissa Dettlaff and Gallagher admitted to police they had been at Distill Bar before the collision. Officers interviewed an employee at the bar who confirmed the three individuals were present at the business before the crash.

Additionally, an investigation at the crime scene revealed the highest reported speed of the Camaro was above 90 miles per hour, while the highest speed of the Mazda was above 80 miles per hour.

Both Gallagher and Melissa Dettlaff are facing charges of reckless driving resulting in death or bodily harm and participating in a “speed contest.” Melissa Dettlaff would also potentially face DUI resulting in death charges, pending analysis of the gathered blood samples.

According to court records, Gallagher posted bail on Feb. 22, the day after the crash. He is due back in court on March 27.

Melissa Dettlaff also posted bail and was released from custody on electronic monitoring. A judge also ordered that she is not allowed to drive. She is due back in court on March 26.