Man charged in fatal Palmhurst crash

EDINBURG — A 29-year-old man was formally charged in connection with a fatal crash that left one woman dead last year.

Alfonso Alvarez was arraigned on intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault charges Monday after an October 2009 fatal crash in Palmhurst.

Police said Alvarez was driving a silver 2003 Lincoln LS sedan, lost control and slammed into a retaining wall along Mile 3 Road, between Shary and Glasscock roads. 

Monica Garcia, 28, was ejected from the car and died at the accident scene. A second woman was ejected from the vehicle, as well. Neither women were wearing seat belts.

Alvarez was indicted in the 370th District Court last week. At his arraignment Monday, bond was set at $110,000 for the two felony charges.

Intoxication manslaughter is a second degree felony that carries a maximum sentence of 20 year in prison and a $10,000 fine upon conviction. Intoxication assault is a third degree felony that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine upon conviction.