Jury selection begins in trial of man accused in deadly I-40 road rage shooting in Wake County

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday morning in the Wake County murder trial of a Durham man who authorities said fatally shot another driver during an alleged road rage incident on Interstate 40 last year.

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According to Wake County court records, jury selection in the trial of Josue Alejandro Quintanilla-Reyes is set to begin at 10 a.m. Monday in Wake County Superior Court.

Prosecutors allege Quintanilla-Reyes shot and killed 35-year-old Ricardo Baez Cardenas in March 2025 while both men were driving on Interstate 40 East near North Harrison Avenue. Cardenas, a father of two, was on his way to work when the shooting happened, his family previously told CBS 17.

Cardenas was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Court records show Quintanilla-Reyes is charged with one count of murder and three counts of discharging a firearm into an occupied conveyance. If convicted of murder, he could face life in prison. Prosecutors have indicated they do not intend to seek the death penalty.

Defense attorneys have also notified the court that Quintanilla-Reyes intends to pursue a claim of self-defense at trial.

At the time of the shooting, a witness shared cellphone video with CBS 17 that captured the sound of five gunshots. The video also appeared to show a sedan driving away from the scene after the shots were fired.

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In addition to the state charges, Quintanilla-Reyes also faces a federal firearm charge.

Earlier this month, the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina announced Quintanilla-Reyes, whom prosecutors identified as a Honduran national, was charged with possession of a firearm by an alien illegally and unlawfully present in the United States.

Federal prosecutors said the charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted.

According to Wake County jail records, Quintanilla-Reyes has remained in custody without bond since his arrest.

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