Waco Man Sentenced to Prison After Fatal Drunk Driving Crash
A 23-year-old man who caused a deadly crash in Waco earlier this year pleaded guilty on October 14 to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and intoxication manslaughter. The court sentenced him to 20 years in prison for the dangerous decisions that led to the deaths of two people.
Details of the Fatal Waco Crash
According to court records, the defendant drove a sport utility vehicle (SUV) during the early morning hours of March 30 with an 18-year-old female passenger inside. Less than 30 minutes before getting behind the wheel, he consumed alcohol and used drugs.
Just before 3 a.m., the driver ran a stop sign on FM 2311 and crashed into a sedan.
Two residents from San Antonio occupied the Hyundai that the SUV struck. The male victim was 50 years old, and the female victim was 55. They traveled eastbound on State Highway 31 moments before the collision. Both victims died instantly from the impact.
Investigation Reveals Severe Intoxication
Police investigators determined that the defendant had a blood alcohol content of .17, more than twice the legal limit in Texas. Hospital tests also revealed methamphetamine in his system. Officers found empty beer containers near the SUV after the crash.
At the time of the incident, the defendant remained on probation for child injury charges. A court had also ordered him to complete alcohol treatment shortly before this fatal crash occurred.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving
Drunk drivers pose a serious threat to everyone on the road. Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times, impair judgment, and reduce motor control. As a result, intoxicated drivers often run stop signs, ignore traffic signals, and fail to follow basic traffic laws.
Legal Options After a Fatal Drunk Driving Accident
If you lost a loved one in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you may have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. An experienced attorney can explain your legal options and help you seek compensation for your loss.
Michael Zimmerman
Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.
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