In the early morning hours of January 6, 2013, a pickup truck driven by Charles Edwin Hill rolled over off of U.S. 287. This high-speed crash resulted in the death of a 22-year-old, Iowa Park man. Two people have been charged with crimes in this terrible wreck. Charles Edwin Hill, also 22 years old from Iowa Park, was the driver of the vehicle that the victim was in. Tragically, Joseph Anthony Sousa was pronounced dead on the scene. Hill also sustained injuries in the wreck. Hill’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. He had a BAC of 0.135. The legal limit in Texas is 0.08. The Times Record News reported that Hill had been drinking at both the Wiskeyta bar and the Lazy Dog Saloon that night.
There was also another automobile involved in this wreck. The back seat passenger in Hill’s truck was allegedly taunting the driver of another truck. The two trucks were at a stop light when Hill’s passenger made obscene gestures at the other driver before throwing a large cup filled with soda at him. The second driver, 31-year-old, Craig David Boyd then began to follow and race Hill’s truck. The two trucks were travelling at incredibly high speeds before Hill’s truck went off the road and hit a power pole. After hitting the power pole, the truck rolled into an open field right off Old Iowa Park road. Sousa was partially ejected from the truck. Troopers arrested Boyd because he failed to show signs of stopping during the reckless chase, where everyone involved and the general public was put in imminent danger. Boyd is facing a charge of deadly conduct.
The family of Joseph Anthony Sousa may have a claim against Hill and Boyd. Family members who have lost loved ones due to drunk drivers are often facing a loss of income, burial expenses, medical expenses and severe pain and suffering. It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after this type of crash. A skilled wrongful death attorney can be an incredible asset during this difficult time.