According to the police officials, the 25-year-old mother drove while intoxicated and crashed her vehicle while five children were inside. Authorities say the woman is now charged with felony murder after her 4-year-old daughter succumbed to injuries she sustained in the wreck. Police said the 4-year-old girl suffered a possible traumatic brain injury from the crash. They believe the girl was unrestrained in the vehicle, perhaps sitting on another child’s lap.
The 25-year-old mother from Texas, Rosalia Sanchez, was identified as the suspect on Sunday. Sheriff Gonzalez said that five children were inside the vehicle (ages ranging from 2 years old to 10), including the 4-year-old victim, at the time of the crash.
This unfortunate accident occurred right after 4 a.m. Sunday. The 25-year-old mother failed to drive in a single lane and veered into the outside shoulder, striking a road sign. She then reportedly lost control and hit a barrier wall.
Police said the 4-year-old girl suffered a possible traumatic brain injury from the crash. They believe the girl was unrestrained in the vehicle, perhaps sitting on another child’s lap. According to reports, the 4-year-old child was Gonzalez’s daughter.
Authorities said that the 25-year-old mother showed signs of intoxication. The charges against her were upgraded to felony murder. Sanchez is the mother of four of the five children and she told investigators that she was on her way to drop off the child who is not hers.
Sheriff Gonzalez also said:
“These cases are so very sad because they are 100% preventable. These are tragedies that we’ve got to find ways to prevent. Children depend on adults, especially their parents, to keep them safe.”
This incident remains under investigation. This is a developing story and it will be updated as new information become available.