A deadly collision at the intersection of South Garland Avenue and Kingsley Road in Garland has left one person dead and resulted in intoxication manslaughter charges against an 18-year-old driver. The crash occurred around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday morning when Alan Ernaldo Marmol Melendez, driving a Cadillac Escalade northbound at high speed, T-boned a Nissan X-terra traveling eastbound through the intersection. According to Garland Police Lt. Pedro Barineau, Melendez was traveling at such excessive speed that his vehicle continued 500 feet past the intersection after impact. The collision caused the victim's Nissan to roll over and burst into flames on nearby railroad tracks that run parallel to South Garland Avenue. The victim, whose identity has not yet been released by authorities, died at the scene. Police determined that Melendez was allegedly racing another vehicle and had consumed alcohol before the crash, specifically telling officers he had consumed two Four Loko beverages. His passenger suffered only minor injuries and will not face charges. Garland Police responded immediately to the major crash call and continue investigating the incident.

Location and Infrastructure

The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of South Garland Avenue and Kingsley Road, located just north of Interstate 635 in Garland, Texas. This stretch of South Garland Avenue has a posted speed limit of 45 miles per hour and serves as a significant north-south corridor through the city. The intersection sits less than one mile from South Shiloh Road, where police believe the alleged street racing began. The area features railroad tracks running parallel to South Garland Avenue, which became part of the crash scene when the victim's vehicle rolled onto the tracks and caught fire. This intersection handles considerable traffic flow as it connects residential areas with major transportation routes, including nearby I-635. The proximity to the interstate and the straight roadway configuration may contribute to speeding issues in this corridor. Traffic control devices at this intersection would typically include standard traffic signals, though the effectiveness of such measures depends on driver compliance with traffic laws and posted speed limits.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas law, this incident involves several serious criminal and civil legal implications. Intoxication manslaughter, as charged against Melendez, is a second-degree felony in Texas under Penal Code Section 49.08, carrying potential penalties of 2-20 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. The victim's family may pursue wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver, potentially recovering damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, though in cases involving intoxicated driving, fault determination typically favors the victim. Families have generally two years from the date of death to file wrongful death lawsuits under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Insurance considerations may include coverage under the at-fault driver's liability policy, though policy limits could prove insufficient given the severity of this incident. Additionally, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage from the victim's own policy might provide additional compensation. Street racing, if proven, could impact insurance coverage and increase potential damages through punitive awards.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Garland Police Department: (972) 485-4840
• Garland Fire Department: (972) 205-2025
• Emergency Services: 911

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Texas Department of Transportation - Traffic Safety: txdot.gov
• Garland Traffic Safety Division: (972) 205-2370
• Texas A&M Transportation Institute Safety Resources

Victim Support Services:

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) North Texas: (214) 521-6233
• Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Program: (800) 983-9933
• Dallas County Victim Services: (214) 653-3600

Legal and Traffic Information:

• Texas Transportation Code: statutes.capitol.texas.gov
• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 252-9690
• Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Help Line: (800) 252-3439