An 18-year-old woman was killed and her boyfriend was injured early on New Year’s Day when a pickup truck slammed into the side of the car they were riding in at the intersection of Gateway North Boulevard and Sean Haggerty Drive in Northeast El Paso, Texas. Authorities say the crash happened around 2 a.m. when a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado pickup ran a red light and T-boned a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro that was traveling east through the intersection. The Camaro’s driver was treated for minor injuries, while his passenger, later identified as Angelique Diaz De Leon, died from her injuries. The pickup’s driver, 48-year-old Abel Garcia, allegedly fled the scene and did not turn himself in to police until January 21, nearly three weeks later.
According to KTSM 9 News, Garcia is charged with intoxication manslaughter, and authorities allege alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash. The outlet reported that during a plea hearing this week, Garcia unexpectedly rejected a 15-year plea offer from prosecutors and changed attorneys instead of accepting the deal the victim’s family had anticipated. Diaz De Leon’s mother told KTSM she was devastated by the setback, saying her daughter had been on track to become an occupational therapy assistant. The case is now headed to trial, currently scheduled for October 30, according to the report.
