A pregnant woman from Donna, Texas and her 9-year-old daughter were killed Wednesday in a two-vehicle crash and an Odessan was arrested on suspicion of intoxication manslaughter in connection with the incident.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a preliminary investigation revealed Gerad Sandate, 43, of Odessa disregarded a red light and struck a Mitsubishi Outlander at U.S. 385 and FM 1787 shortly after 4 p.m.
The father of the 9-year-old, who was driving the Outlander, and a 7-month-old child, both of whom were restrained, were treated at Medical Center Hospital and released, but Cynthia Abigail Fernandez, 31, and the girl were pronounced dead at the scene. It’s unknown if they were wearing seat belts, a DPS news release stated.
According to court documents, Sandate fled the scene of the crash, but was caught in the 400 block of East Sundown. He was booked into the Ector County jail after being treated at Medical Center Hospital for a broken left collarbone.
A trooper noted in his report that Sandate had a dry mouth, rapid heart rate and constricted pupils, all signs of someone who is a “chronic central nervous system stimulant user.” He told troopers he wasn’t sure if he hit them or they hit him.
Jail records indicate he was booked on suspicion of three counts of intoxication manslaughter, accident involving death and driving while intoxicated. He remains in custody on surety bonds totaling of $851,000 and a U.S. Marshal’s hold.
