Crime & Safety

Father Charged With Murder In DWI Crash That Killed Daughter

Jorge Ledezma had a blood alcohol level of .20 when he crashed his SUV, killing his daughter and injuring his wife and son, police said.

HOUSTON, TX — A man whose 11-year-old daughter was killed in a New Year's Eve crash has been charged with her murder. Vehicular Crimes investigators said Jorge Ledezma was intoxicated and driving his 2002 Chevy Tahoe when he ran a red light in the 14200 block of Crosby Freeway and hit a 2004 Ford Expedition.

The crash happened at about 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, in the 7200 block of the E Sam Houston Parkway.

Police said Ledezma was driving with his wife, their 15-year-old son, and their 11-year-old daughter, when he ran through a red light and crashed into a Ford Expedition driven by Carrillo Ubaldo.

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Ledezma's daughter, Vanessa Ledezma, was sitting in the rear passenger seat at the time of the crash and was critically injured.

She was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital via Life Flight, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

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Ledezma's wife and son were also critically injured in the crash, and remain hospitalized.

Ledezma was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he showed signs of impairment. Police said Ledezma had a blood alcohol level of .20, well above the legal limit of .08 for driving while intoxicated.

Ledezma was arrested and is charged him with felony murder and intoxication assault. He is currently being held in the Harris County Jail with bail set at $200,000.

This case is currently under investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division.

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