Killeen Man Charged In DWI Fatal Accident

A Killeen man is awaiting trial on charges of intoxicated manslaughter following a fatal DWI accident that left one woman dead.

About The DWI Accident

According to the Killeen Daily Herald, the accident occurred in Bell County in early June.

A Nolanville, Texas police officer witnessed a two people on a motorcycle traveling east on Veterans Memorial Boulevard, says the arrest affidavit. Also, a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) agent saw a man and woman leave “Paul’s Pub” on a motorcycle.

The officer eventually was called to U.S. Highway 190 following reports that a motorcycle was traveling the wrong direction. The motorcycle collided with a another vehicle near Main Street.

The driver of the motorcycle was identified as 33-year-old Juan Ortiz. His passenger, 24-year-old Ashley Pekarek, who was found laying underneath the bridge.

Both Ortiz and Pekarek were taken to Scott & White Hospital in Temple. Pekarek sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on June 7th.

Driver Charged with Intoxicated Manslaughter

The TABC agent identified Pekarek and Ortiz as the people he saw leaving the pub. A witness at the pub stated they saw Ortiz consume two or three beers.

Ortiz’s blood alcohol level was tested at the hospital and was a .218; well over Texas’ legal limit of .08.

A Bell County grand jury did indict Ortiz on a charge of intoxicated manslaughter on Wednesday, October 22. His bail has been set at $100,000.