Johnson County, TX — April 27, 2024, Manuel Dejesus Rios Jr. was killed and one person was hurt following a car accident at around 11:30 p.m. along F.M. 917.
According to officials, the accident happened off the corner of the F.M. 917 and County Road 1017 intersection, west of Joshua.
Investigators said in initial statements that 24-year-old Manuel Dejesus Rios Jr. was a passenger in a Ford F-150 being driven eastbound on F.M. 917. The vehicle apparently lost control and veered off the left side of the road where it then overturned. As a result, Rios was killed. Another passenger, also 24, reportedly had serious injuries. The driver had no reported injuries.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Additionally, authorities allege that the driver of the vehicle was under the influence of alcohol, and they reported possible charges for intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. To be clear, I’m not here to determine if those allegations are true or not. But accidents possibly involving alcohol can become very challenging, so it helps for people to be aware of those potential challenges.
In short, when authorities consider charges like those mentioned, they’re trying to determine, one, if the driver was intoxicated, and two, if the intoxication was the proximate cause of the resulting injuries. In line with this, there can also be investigations into where the alcohol came from. Alcohol providers can illegally over-serve drivers, making them responsible for contributing to an accident, whether through criminal law, administrative action, or civil liability.
Ultimately, it’s unlikely this situation is going to be as straight-forward as some might assume. It takes significant investigations to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. That way, the victims’ loved ones can be sure they’re getting the whole story, and there can be consequences if deemed appropriate.
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