Posted 3:51 am Tuesday, May 01, 2012
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Man Charged In 2-Year-Old Girl’s Death
By TIM MONZINGO
Staff Writer
A man who authorities said drove the wrong way on U.S. Highway 69 north of Bullard was charged with intoxication manslaughter after a three-vehicle accident killed a 2-year-old girl and injured several others Saturday, officials said.
Staff Writer
A man who authorities said drove the wrong way on U.S. Highway 69 north of Bullard was charged with intoxication manslaughter after a three-vehicle accident killed a 2-year-old girl and injured several others Saturday, officials said.
Around 9 p.m. Saturday night, a 2001 pickup driven by 41-year-old Jorge Cordera-Varela, traveling the wrong direction on U.S. Highway 69 North, collided with two other vehicles about 0.5 miles north of Bullard, according to an accident report filed by Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper James Whitten.
Cordera-Varela's vehicle was in the northbound lane traveling south when it struck a 2001 Honda Civic, driven by Jansen Blake Farris, 22, of Bullard, the report reads.
Traveling with Farris was 2-year-old Sydney Farris, who died from her injuries suffered in the accident, department spokeswoman Jean Dark said Monday.
Traveling with Farris was 2-year-old Sydney Farris, who died from her injuries suffered in the accident, department spokeswoman Jean Dark said Monday.
The truck “became airborne” and slammed down on top of a 1997 Chevrolet truck driven by Crystal Gilbert, 31, of Tyler, according to the report.
In Ms. Gilbert's vehicle were a 4 year old, a 6 year old and an 11 year old, along with Bartillo Gonzales. Officials with Mother Frances Hospital, where they were being treated for their injuries according to the accident report, said they were not at the hospital as of Monday evening.
In Ms. Gilbert's vehicle were a 4 year old, a 6 year old and an 11 year old, along with Bartillo Gonzales. Officials with Mother Frances Hospital, where they were being treated for their injuries according to the accident report, said they were not at the hospital as of Monday evening.
Farris was in good condition at East Texas Medical Center Monday evening after suffering internal injuries and broken bones, officials said.
Trooper Dark said Cordera-Varela was charged with intoxication manslaughter for the death of the girl. She said six additional counts of intoxication assault were pending Monday evening.
Trooper Dark said Cordera-Varela was charged with intoxication manslaughter for the death of the girl. She said six additional counts of intoxication assault were pending Monday evening.
Officials with the Smith County Jail said Cordera-Varela was in custody at jail Monday afternoon on a $100,000 bond.
According to the Texas Penal Code, intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony and intoxication assault is a third-degree felony.
Kim Nolley, a friend of the Farris family, told KYTX CBS19 those who wish to make donations to help pay for Sydney’s funeral arrangements and Jansen’s medical bills can do so in Sydney’s name at any Austin Bank location.
According to the Texas Penal Code, intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony and intoxication assault is a third-degree felony.
Kim Nolley, a friend of the Farris family, told KYTX CBS19 those who wish to make donations to help pay for Sydney’s funeral arrangements and Jansen’s medical bills can do so in Sydney’s name at any Austin Bank location.
