Corpus Christi TX — March 2, 2025, Justin Buentello and a baby were killed, and Amy Lopez, Mark Oliva, and another were hurt in an alleged drunk driver accident.
According to initial details about the accident, it happened in the Annaville area around 7:50 p.m. near Violet Road and Leopard Street, northeast of Robstown.
Investigators said that 27-year-old Amy Lopez and 26-year-old Mark Oliva were in a Mercedes-Benz going northbound on Violet Road. 26-year-old Justin Buentello and a woman were in a Nissan Altima going southbound. The woman driving the Nissan reportedly lost control, crashing into the oncoming Mercedes-Benz.
As as result of the collision, Buentello sustained injuries that ultimately proved fatal. Amy Lopez was pregnant at the time of the crash, and she reportedly lost the child due to the crash. Lopez, Mark Oliva, and the driver of the Nissan all reportedly had injuries.
At this time, authorities allege that the Nissan driver admitted to drinking alcohol prior to the crash. Additional details are unavailable at this time.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
If it’s true that drunk driving led to this awful event, it’s yet another in a long list of such accidents. Texas has a big problem with drunk driving, and it’s understandable why people read these stories and demand there be accountability. However, many think that only means seeing a drunk driver held accountable. In reality, there is often an accomplice to these deadly wrecks who also can face consequences: negligent alcohol providers.
Simply put, it is unlawful in Texas for bars or other establishments to serve someone who is obviously intoxicated. Many establishments will do so, however, because they think there won’t be consequences. These actions do expose them to potential consequences, though. They can include criminal investigations, fines, suspended licenses, or liability for the deaths or injuries resulting from the over-served person’s intoxication.
Too often, these negligent alcohol providers slip through the cracks. People rightfully want to see a drunk driver held accountable, but authorities generally end their efforts at the crash scene. Meanwhile, there could be a bar or restaurant who contributed to the deadly crash continuing to put lives at risk. In my experience with hundreds of cases against negligent alcohol providers, holding them accountable gets them to clean up their act, plain and simple. That means fewer families being put through these hardships, and fewer drunk drivers making our roads dangerous.
As investigations continue, it could be that this all was one reckless individual’s actions. Or, authorities here may be more motivated to dig below the surface and find out if the alleged drunk driver was coming from a local establishment. In my experience, though, it’s more likely that the full story will only come to light if regular folks in the community demand proper, thorough investigations. The same may prove true here, as well.
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