Driver in crash that killed father and son charged with intoxication manslaughter

WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The man arrested in connection with a fatal four-vehicle crash that killed a father and son was released from the hospital Thursday and is accused of being under the influence at the time of the crash.

The agency's news release said, Jesus Sebastian Lopez, 24, a resident of Chiapas, Mexico, was arraigned by Judge Andrew Gonzalez.

Lopez was charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter with a motor vehicle, one count of intoxication assault with a motor vehicle causing serious bodily injuries, and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

Lopez was transported and booked at the Hidalgo County Jail.

Background 

At 2:38 a.m. on April 14, Jesus Sebastian Lopez was driving a Chevrolet Malibu heading northbound on US 281 on the southbound lane. Meanwhile, a black Hyundai Tucson, occupied by a father and son, was also traveling southbound on US 281.

Four-vehicle fatal accident on U.S. 281 north of Edinburg. Photo courtesy: Texas DPS

Four-vehicle fatal accident on U.S. 281 north of Edinburg. Photo courtesy: Texas DPS

The Tucson collided with the Malibu, causing the Tucson to spin across the southbound lanes. The collision ended with the Tucson crashing into a Freightliner tractor-trailer.

The occupants of the Hyundai Tucson, 4-year-old John Andrew Escamilla and his father, 32-year-old Mark Anthony Alvarez, died at the scene.