Pharr man who caused crash that killed sleeping teen sentenced to 15 years

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Jesus Cruz, 24, waits for his sentencing hearing to begin on Thursday May 25, 2023. (Xavier Alvarez | The Monitor)

EDINBURG — A judge on Thursday afternoon sentenced a 24-year-old Pharr man to 15 years in prison for driving at a high rate of speed and crashing into an apartment hitting two minors, including a 16-year-old who died.

The crash happened on June 28, 2021 at approximately 3:33 a.m. in the 200 block of North Veterans Boulevard in Pharr.

After the crash, Pharr police arrested Jesus Cruz, who was eventually indicted on intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury charges.

(Courtesy Photo)

Cruz killed 16-year-old Jastin Rios as he slept and injured a boy who was 12-years-old.

Video released by Pharr police at the time showed Cruz’s vehicle barreling down the street before veering off the road into the apartment.

Cruz appeared at the Hidalgo County Courthouse on Thursday for his sentencing, which included several witnesses.


Here’s the latest update: 

Mother cries out for teen victim in Pharr manslaughter case as defendant gets 15 years