Baby boy killed in crash allegedly caused by Luna County Sheriff’s deputy
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A 14-month-old boy was killed in a crash last year near Deming and his parents spoke out during a news conference on Wednesday morning, April 24 in El Paso.
Isabella Hernandez and William Franzoy represented by Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C, spoke out during the news conference, sharing their experience on the crash that killed their son, Wyatt Franzoy.
According to the law firm, the fatal crash was caused by Deputy Paul Garcia, with the Luna County Sheriff’s Office.
The law firm says that on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 11, 2023, Hernandez and her son were traveling in a Nissan Altima south on Columbus Road when they were T-boned by Garcia.
The law firm says Garcia was also traveling south on Columbus Road and was speeding after being dispatched to a burglary in progress.
The law firm says Garcia was going 130 miles per hour in a marked, department issued vehicle.
Garcia attempted to pass Hernandez via the northbound lane in a “no pass” zone while she was turning east onto Voorhies Road into a residential area, according to the law firm.
“I never saw the sheriff’s car speeding behind us,” Hernandez said. “I remember slowing down before the intersection and turning on my blinker. And then my life changed forever. I became unconscious when he hit us. I came to at some point – in pain, crying for help because I couldn’t breathe. And asking for my son – where was my son. My car was in the dirt and turned in the wrong direction. I saw a group of men in front of my car pushing on the ground. It felt surreal, like a dream. Little did I know the nightmare was about to begin,” Hernandez said.
Garcia allegedly crashed into Hernandez’s vehicle at 99 miles per hour, causing the vehicle to fly across the highway.
The law firm says Wyatt Franzoy’s had fatal internal injuries that included skull fractures; bleeding of the brain; wounds on his head; bruising on his torso; a collapsed lung; wounds, bruises and fractures to his calf and shin bones. His entire tiny body was bruised and battered.
Garcia has been criminally charged with causing vehicular homicide and great bodily injury by reckless driving. The law firm says Garcia and Luna County have not been held accountable.
The Luna County Sheriff’s Office says Garcia has been placed on administrative leave.
“Officer Garcia’s negligence has forever altered the lives of the Hernandez and Franzoy families, who are seeking accountability from Luna County officials and justice for baby Wyatt,” the law firm said.
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