Left: Miguel A. Espinoza (Galveston County Jail). Right: Espinoza’s car after the crash that left four family members dead (KTRK).
In Texas, a 47-year-old man faces a lengthy prison sentence after causing a tragic accident that resulted in the death of four family members who were traveling in a golf cart. This incident occurred in 2022 when Miguel A. Espinoza, under the influence of alcohol, crashed his SUV into the golf cart. Espinoza has formally admitted guilt to four counts of intoxication manslaughter and one count of intoxication assault.
Initially, Espinoza had pleaded not guilty to all charges and was set to go to trial in Texas’ 10th District Court. However, on the day of the trial with the jury and attorneys ready, Espinoza decided to change his plea and confessed to all charges. This sudden shift in plea was reported by The Galveston Daily News.
Reports indicate that the tragic incident occurred around 11:35 p.m. on August 6, 2022, when Espinoza was heavily intoxicated and driving his SUV at high speeds. He disregarded a stop sign at the intersection of 33rd Street and Avenue R, located approximately 50 miles southeast of Houston. As a result, his SUV collided with a Dodge pickup truck, leading to a chain reaction that involved a golf cart carrying six individuals – two grandparents, three grandchildren, and a niece.
Felipe Bentancur, 49, Destiny Uvalle, 25, Brailyn Cantu, 14, and Kaisyn Bentancur, 4, were all killed as a result of the crash while the remaining two passengers were both reportedly left with serious injuries.
The jury still heard opening arguments, though they were for the punishment phase of the trial.
Chief Assistant Criminal District Attorney Ricque Davis reportedly told jurors that Espinoza was a man without remorse for his actions. She also spoke about the victims, noting that Felipe Bentancur had been with his wife for 34 years and the family traditionally took a trip to Galveston every summer.
