Venezuelan Migrant Charged in DUI Crash Killing 7-Year-Old Texas Girl

A tragedy unfolded in Harris County, Texas, where a Venezuelan migrant is accused of causing a drunk driving crash that killed 7-year-old Ivory Smith and critically injured her mother, Christina Quainoo. Joel Enrique Gonzalez Chacin, a 41-year-old Venezuelan national, was arrested on December 1 by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. He now faces charges of felony intoxicated vehicular manslaughter for his alleged role in the devastating accident.

According to investigators, Chacin reportedly ran a red light and collided with Quainoo’s vehicle, leading to the untimely death of young Ivory and leaving her mother fighting for her life. Eyewitness accounts and police reports suggest that, rather than attempting to assist the victims, Chacin exited his vehicle and began taking photographs of the crash site—a disturbing act that local officials described as unprecedented. “It’s behavior we’ve never encountered before,” one Harris County official commented.

Chacin remains in Harris County Jail with bond set at $150,000. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also placed a detainer on Chacin, ensuring he will be transferred to federal custody for potential deportation should he be released from jail.

Ivory’s family has been left shattered by this loss. They have set up a GoFundMe page to help cover expenses and support Christina Quainoo as she recovers. The page poignantly honors Ivory’s memory, stating, “Ivory brought so much light into our lives in her short time with us, and we will forever cherish the joy and love she gave so freely. As we navigate this profound loss, we are also facing the difficult reality of seeking justice for Ivory.”

The family of 7-year-old Ivory Smith is demanding justice after an illegal who was driving drunk in Texas plowed into another car, k*lling Ivory and severely injuring her mother who is in the hospital in critical condition.

Ivory was an only child. Her mother is now fighting for… pic.twitter.com/PfiBJ2qkNp

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 4, 2024

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This tragic incident has sparked outrage in the community, raising questions about the handling of immigration-related criminal cases and the enforcement of DUI laws. Advocates for tougher penalties and stricter immigration controls have pointed to this case as evidence of systemic failures.

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