Judge denies bond reduction for Ft. Bliss soldier accused of intoxication manslaughter
Update (December 18, 2024): The judge kept the bond amount at $520,000. Del Valle's defense lawyer argued that Del Valle does not have a criminal record, is not a flight risk, and is not a danger to the community.
The prosecution team argued that Del Valle was traveling 113 MPH at the time of the crash and had a blood alcohol level of .102 6 hours later.
"Given these factors, we don't think a lower bond is appropriate for either count," a prosecutor argued in court.
The judge stated that because the crime was outrageous and severe and given Del Valle's plan to leave El Paso and return to Puerto Rico, he would not reduce the bond. The judge called Del Valle's plan to return to Puerto Rico "quite frankly unconscionable."
The next status hearing in this case is set for February.
Update (December 17, 2024): Del Valle's lawyer filed a motion to reduce his bond on December 6. Del Valle's arraignment was rescheduled to December 16, then waived on that day. He is next scheduled for a bond hearing on December 18, then a status hearing on January 27.
Jail records show that right now, Del Valle remains in jail on a combined $520,000 bond. He is currently being held in the El Paso Jail Annex.
Update (3:39 PM): A spokesperson for the El Paso County Sheriff's Office has clarified that Del Valle has now been booked and arrested.
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office has released the mug shot and additional details on the status and charges for a man accused of killing two people in a crash in early November in Far East El Paso.
According to a release from EPCSO sent Monday, Juan Francisco Del Valle will be arrested and charged with two counts of intoxication and manslaughter once he is released from the hospital for treatment of his injuries received in the crash late on Nov. 2.
Sheriff's deputies responding to that crash found 29 year-old Rick Ballard dead at the scene, while 28 year-old Dalia Olivas was taken to the hospital where she later died.
As ABC-7 previously reported, Ft. Bliss officials have confirmed that Del Valle is a sergeant assigned 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division on post.
Court records indicate that Del Valle has been charged and is being held in the El Paso County Jail on a $260,000 bond for each charge of intoxication manslaughter. An arraignment hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 9.
