A North Texas family is grieving the loss of a 19-year-old college student two weeks after she was killed in a multi-vehicle crash allegedly caused by a drunk driver near Cross Roads, Texas.
Crystal De Luna was riding with her boyfriend on US Highway 380 and 377 when their vehicle was struck in a four-car collision. Several other people involved in the crash sustained minor injuries.
Cross Roads Police arrested 33-year-old Samuel Moses in connection with the deadly crash. He faces charges of intoxicated manslaughter and unlawfully carrying a weapon.
Court records show Moses bonded out of jail just four days after the crash that claimed Crystal’s life. His release has added to the pain felt by her family who are still processing their loss.
Crystal’s mother Vanesa Ramirez described the moment she realized her daughter was gone as devastating. She said she initially thought Crystal was simply asleep in her room before learning the heartbreaking truth.
“I wish it was a dream that I could wake up from” Ramirez said. She described feeling torn between overwhelming grief and deep anger knowing the man accused of killing her daughter was free to return home to his own family.
Ramirez said Crystal had a bright future ahead of her. The young student had dreams of becoming an ultrasound technician and working with newborn babies.
Crystal is survived by her mother a brother and two younger sisters. Her family remembers her as someone who brought light and warmth to everyone around her.
“She was my best friend” Ramirez said while calling for justice on behalf of her daughter.
NBC 5 attempted to reach an attorney representing Moses but no legal representation had been listed in available records as of Sunday evening.
Cross Roads Police confirmed the investigation into the fatal crash remains active and ongoing. No additional charges or updates have been announced at this time.
The crash occurred on July 26 and Sunday August 9 marked two weeks since Crystal’s death. Her family continues to mourn while waiting for the legal process to move forward.
