News Summary
A 30-year-old man, Jackson Pope Spalten, faces manslaughter charges after a fatal crash in San Antonio that claimed the life of a 50-year-old woman. Spalten allegedly drove recklessly, crossing a solid white line and colliding with a vehicle making a left turn. The impact resulted in the death of the passenger, Nayda Linette Velez De Guijarro, due to blunt force injuries. Spalten, with a history of traffic offenses, was briefly hospitalized and has since been released on bond. The case highlights the severe consequences of reckless driving.
San Antonio – A 30-year-old man, Jackson Pope Spalten, has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal vehicle crash that took place on May 2. The incident occurred near the intersection of Harry Wurzbach and Dalewood in northwest San Antonio, resulting in the tragic death of a 50-year-old woman, Nayda Linette Velez De Guijarro.
Spalten’s reckless driving allegedly led to the collision when he crossed a solid white line and changed from a turn-only lane to a straight-only lane. Witnesses reported that the driver of the Toyota Tacoma, which Velez De Guijarro was riding in as a passenger, did not have adequate time to see Spalten’s oncoming Dodge Ram pickup truck before making a left turn. The impact resulted in Spalten’s truck colliding violently with the passenger side of the Tacoma, where Velez De Guijarro was seated.
The force of the crash was significant enough to propel both vehicles off the road. Emergency responders pronounced Velez De Guijarro dead at the scene due to blunt force injuries. Spalten was briefly hospitalized after the accident but has since been released. Authorities released dash camera footage showing that Spalten was traveling at 74 mph in a 45 mph zone moments before the collision. His speed decreased to 65 mph just before the impact and further slowed to 49 mph at the moment of collision as he applied the brakes.
The police report cites Spalten’s actions as reckless, significantly contributing to the death of Velez De Guijarro. As a consequence of the incident, Spalten was arrested and had a bond set at $100,000, which he has posted since. According to records, Spalten has a history of traffic-related offenses, including previous incidents of speeding and making improper turns.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s office has officially ruled Velez De Guijarro’s death as an accident, reflecting the tragic circumstances surrounding this event. As the case unfolds, community members are reminded of the severe consequences of reckless driving and the importance of adhering to posted speed limits and traffic regulations.
This incident not only highlights the dangers associated with speeding and careless driving but also serves as a somber reminder of the lives affected by such preventable tragedies. Authorities continue to investigate the details surrounding the crash as they seek to ensure justice for all parties involved.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: Manslaughter
- Fox San Antonio
- Google Search: San Antonio crash
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Scholar: Reckless driving consequences
- Express News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic accidents
- KENS 5
- Google News: San Antonio crash 2023
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
