Following the death of a Texas woman and her infant son earlier this year, four individuals now face criminal charges related to what authorities say was a fatal DUI crash.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, 20-year-old Veronica Rivas was initially arrested in late February on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. She was accused of ramming into the rear of another vehicle, causing the deaths of 36-year-old Shayla Joseph and her 3-month-old daughter, Braylan Jabari Joseph.
This week, charges were announced against three other individuals accused of supplying the underage Rivas with margaritas as she became increasingly intoxicated at Crescent City Connection Sports & Oyster Bar shortly before the crash.
One of those charged is 24-year-old Devin Jackson, the son of the bar’s owner. He faces a charge of knowingly purchasing and providing alcohol to a minor.
Prosecutors are pursuing the same charge against 23-year-old John C. Medina.
If convicted, the Class A misdemeanor could result in as much as a year behind bars and a $4,000 fine, according to KTRK.
Medina could face another decade in prison if convicted of a separate charge of aggravated perjury for allegedly lying during grand jury testimony.
Prosecutors are charging a bartender at the business, 40-year-old Amy L. Allen, with criminal negligence for allegedly allowing both Rivas and a 17-year-old with her that night to drink alcohol at the bar.
As Fox News reported, the head of the vehicular crimes division of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office said he hopes the announcement of these charges will make others think twice before serving alcohol to minors.
“I hope this causes people to be more responsible, and if you’re not, we will hold you responsible,” Sean Teare said.
[Featured image: Veronica Rivas/Houston Police Department]