DALLAS, TX (10/10/2016) — Maria Gonzalez-Cortes was struck and killed in an auto-pedestrian accident on Monday night in Oak Cliff.
Police have identified 24-year-old Maria Cruz Gonzalez-Cortes as the victim of a fatal hit-and-run that occurred in the 3000 block of Dawes Drive in the Oak Cliff borough of Dallas, Texas.
Witnesses reported that 47-year-old Juan Carlos Velasquez had parked his SUV and stepped out temporarily before returning to the vehicle. He then reversed at a high speed, fishtailed, and struck Gonzalez-Cortes as she walked across the parking lot of a strip shopping center, pinning her against another parked car.
“I went to get the baby out of the car,” said Gonzalez-Cortes’ husband, Cleofas SantaMaria, through an interpreter. “And she was crossing. And all I heard was the impact.”
Gonzalez-Cortes was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Several Good Samaritans helped detain Velasquez, who attempted to flee the scene after the crash. He was arrested and charged with failure to stop and render aid.
An investigation is ongoing.
Commentary
Officials have already charged this driver with failure to stop and render aid; however, he will likely face an additional charge of vehicular manslaughter (or intoxication manslaughter if tests show he was intoxicated) as the investigation progresses. Additionally, Velasquez could also face a lawsuit filed by the victim’s family, should they so happen to pursue a civil claim. We will provide updates to this tragic event as they become available.
