Suspect charged in New Year’s Day crash that killed La Joya ISD freshman

Jose Cordero

A Mission man was arrested Tuesday for his involvement in a fatal crash that left a La Joya high school freshman dead after she was ejected from her vehicle on New Year’s Day. 

The Texas Department of Public Safety said in a Wednesday news release that Jose Cordero, 23, was charged with intoxication manslaughter and four counts of intoxication assault. 

Cordero was identified as the driver of a Chevrolet Camaro that crashed into a Toyota Sequoia on Jan. 1 north of 6 Mile Road and FM 492 at around 1:22 a.m.. 

Ashley Monserrat Pano Fuentes, 14, was ejected from the vehicle and died from her injuries at the scene, the release stated. 

La Joya ISD Superintendent Marcey Sorenson said in a Jan. 2 statement that Fuentes was a 9th grade student at Juarez-Lincoln High School.

Sorensen also confirmed the other occupants of the Toyota included Fuentes’ mother, who has been released from the hospital with minor injuries, and her sisters.

Fuentes’ 17-year-old sister, who is an 11th grade student at Juarez-Lincoln High School, underwent surgery and is expected to require additional surgery in the future, Sorensen said. 

The last passenger was another of Fuentes’ sister, who is a 7th grader at Ann Richards Middle School, with Sorensen saying she suffered a broken leg. 

Both sisters remained hospitalized. 

“We are sharing this news with a heavy heart, but also knowing that our La Joya ISD family is here to support this family and come together as a community as we always do in our most difficult times,” Sorensen said. 

The family was attempting to exit a private driveway from the west side of the roadway to cross FM 492 onto Fiesta Drive, the DPS release stated.

Cordero was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed passing northbound traffic on the southbound lane and crashed into the Sequoia, which was occupied by the family, according to the release.

Cordero and his passenger were hospitalized too, but have since been released.

Sorensen extended prayers and support to Fuentes’ family as well as wishing them all a full and speedy recovery.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to Ashley’s family and friends during this difficult time,” she said in the statement.

In addition to asking the community to respect Ashley’s family privacy as they mourn her loss, Sorensen said those seeking to help with donations or or further inquiries on how to receive additional support can contact Mrs. Leonor Garcia, the district’s coordinator of student, family and community services, at (956) 323-2609.

“Thank you, La Joya ISD family, for showing your love for this family and our angel, Ashley,” Sorensen said. 

As for Cordero, he remains held in the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center on a total of $170,000 in bonds.

DPS said troopers are further investigating the crash.

Editor’s note: This story’s headline and copy has been updated with new information from La Joya ISD Superintendent Marcey Sorensen.

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