El Paso Man Killed in Crash Involving Drunk Driver, Family Calls for Justice
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The family of 28-year-old Steven Hernandez, an El Pasoan who lost his life in a tragic accident caused by a drunk driver, is demanding justice. The incident occurred on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the intersection of Edgemere and Joe Battle, where 24-year-old Valeria Mena ran a red light and collided with the vehicle Hernandez was a passenger in. Mena, who had a history of drunk driving, has been arrested and charged with intoxicated manslaughter. Hernandez’s loved ones gathered at the crash site on Monday to pay their respects and release balloons in his memory.
“We need justice, so it doesn’t continue on,” expressed Hernandez’s mother, echoing the sentiments of the grieving family. The loss of Hernandez, described as a person who meant a great deal to many individuals, has left a void that cannot be filled. Friends and acquaintances, like Felipe Loza, expressed their disbelief, saying, “She took somebody that meant a lot to a lot of individuals. And it’s sad that she didn’t get the opportunity to meet him because I’m sure if she would have, she would have never drank and drove.”
Court records revealed that Mena had previously been arrested for drunk driving on two occasions, once in 2020 and again in 2022. The fact that this incident was her third offense has left the family and community deeply saddened. “It wasn’t her first and it wasn’t her second time. This would be her third time. I just want her to think about the sadness she’s caused to our family,” stated Susana Bejarano, Hernandez’s second cousin.
Following the fatal crash, Mena was taken into custody and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility. Her bail was set at $76,000, split into different charges related to the incident. As the legal process unfolds, the family of Steven Hernandez remains determined to seek justice for their loved one.
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Conclusion:
In the aftermath of the devastating crash that claimed the life of Steven Hernandez and left his family and friends mourning, justice remains a primary concern. The arrest of Valeria Mena, charged with intoxicated manslaughter, brings some solace to the grieving family. However, the fact that Mena had previously been arrested for drunk driving twice before has left the community questioning the efficacy of the legal system in addressing repeat offenders.
As the case unfolds, the family and friends of Steven Hernandez continue to advocate for justice and a stricter approach to combating drunk driving. Meanwhile, for individuals in El Paso, USAttorneys.com offers a valuable resource to find competent El Paso, Texas DUI Attorneys. The specialized legal professionals available through this platform can provide the necessary guidance and representation to navigate the legal complexities surrounding DUI charges in El Paso.
