Woman sentenced to 10 years in prison for intoxication manslaughter, intoxication assault after 2020 crash

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A woman has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault causing serious bodily injury after a crash in 2020.

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - A woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and 10 years of probation for intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault causing serious bodily injury after a fatal crash in 2020.

According to the 47th District Attorney’s Office, the crash occurred on June 21, 2020. The press release states four people were headed eastbound on Wolflin Avenue and were hit by a woman running a red light at the intersection of Wolflin and Washington.

The back seat passenger, an adult female, died in the hospital from injuries sustained in the crash. Another passenger suffered extensive injuries, including a broken hip and leg. The other two passengers had minor injuries.

The driver of the vehicle that ran the red light was Michelle Chavez, who told officers that she had consumed drinks at a local bar. Chavez’s blood alcohol level was 0.217.

In June of 2024, a jury heard the cases against Chavez. The jury also heard testimony from the woman who was severely injured in the crash, APD officers, witnesses and more. They also reviewed footage of the crash recorded by surveillance cameras at a nearby business.

The jury returned guilty verdicts in both cases. Chavez elected for the jury to determine punishment and requested probation.

Chavez was sentenced to 10 years in prison for intoxication manslaughter and 10 years of probation for the intoxication assault. The judge ordered that the sentences be stacked, so Chavez’s probation will not begin until she is released from prison.

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