AUSTIN, Texas – A 27-year-old man, Paul Joseph Garcia, has been sentenced on two charges in connection with a fatal crash that took place in south Austin in February 2020. According to the Travis County court documents, Garcia pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter with vehicle and accident involving death in relation to the death of 55-year-old Lee Martin Cagle.
Garcia has received a 12-year sentence for the intoxication manslaughter charge and a 10-year sentence for the accident involving death charge, as per court documents. It remains unknown whether the sentences will run concurrently or consecutively.
Reports from the time of the incident stated that Garcia struck a pedestrian, later identified as Cagle, with his vehicle. Following the crash, Austin Police officers conducted a field sobriety test on Garcia and determined that he was unable to safely drive the vehicle due to the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has opened an investigation into whether a business served alcohol to Garcia prior to the fatal crash. In relation to the sentences, Garcia will receive a jail credit of 31 days. As of Wednesday, he remained booked in the Travis County jail.
As a result of the sentencing, Garcia will serve a total of 22 years in connection with the aforementioned charges. This case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of driving under the influence and the importance of responsible alcohol consumption.