$190 million awarded in drunk driving case
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)-- A Santa Fe jury awarded a $190 million verdict to the survivors and families who were affected by a drunk driving crash that killed two people and injured others.
The crash happened in Chaparral, New Mexico. The jury decided that the driver was working when the collision occurred.
The driver Patrick Woods Jr. was driving to a site owned by Desert View Homes Inc. according to attorneys.
The collision took place on Highway 213 when the defendant’s vehicle crossed into oncoming
traffic, resulting in a head-on impact that killed Jose Marrero and Desiree Seanez.
“This verdict sends a strong message that companies cannot avoid accountability by hiding
behind corporate structures,” said Noe Valles of Glasheen, Valles & Inderman Injury Lawyers,
one of the attorneys for the plaintiffs. “Our clients have endured unimaginable loss, and this
decision reflects the severity of the wrongdoing and the need for corporate responsibility.”
A press conference will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Thursday, April 24, at Glasheen, Valles
& Inderman Injury Lawyers, located at 1101 Montana Ave, El Paso.
Dovetail Solution, the company who represent Desert View Homes Inc., sent ABC-7 A statement.
"In early 2023, a tragic accident occurred when an employee of SDC, a subsidiary of Desert View Homes Inc., was driving a company car while allegedly under the influence of alcohol, resulting in two fatalities and the serious injury of three victims.
Desert View Homes mourns lives lost and extends its heartfelt wishes for healing to those who were injured.
Following last night’s civil court verdict, Desert View Homes Inc. has been ordered to pay just over $190 million."
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story mistakenly identified the site owner as View Homes Inc. The name has been updated to Desert View Homes Inc.
