Trial delays frustrate family of Miami Heat dancer killed in crash

Mario Careaga charged in Nancy Ruiz-Lopez's death

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The family of Nancy Ruiz-Lopez, a Miami Heat dancer who was killed in a 2010 crash, left court frustrated Tuesday after another delay was granted in the case.

"We're not gonna stop until we see justice," said her mother, Adela Ruiz-Lopez. "We believe in the system. That's why we are acting civilized."

Attorneys representing Mario Careaga, who is charged in Ruiz-Lopez's death, wanted more time as they awaited a re-test of his blood. A hearing was scheduled for August 13.

The Broward State Attorney's Office issued a statement, saying: "The defense has been granted permission by the Court to have the blood independently retested. We expect these results in a few weeks."

"We want justice," said Ruiz-Lopez's mother. "We want to see that they set a date for this trial as soon as possible because we are getting more ill and emotionally affected by this case."

On Sept. 10, 2010, Careaga, 45, rear-ended Lopez-Ruiz on Sunrise Boulevard, killing her, according to investigators. Police filed DUI manslaughter and careless driving charges against him in March 2011, six months later.

Investigators said that Careaga (pictured, right) told them he had two vodka drinks at Galleria Mall right before the fatal crash.

Since his arraignment in April 2011, the case has gone before a judge 12 times. Lopez-Ruiz's family led a small protest Monday outside the Broward County Courthouse.

"We want to see justice for our Nancy," said Adela Ruiz-Lopez.

Lopez-Ruiz was scheduled to be a Heat dancer in the fall of 2010.