Investigators said Navarro later told the officer at the hospital that he had been out eating and drinking with a co-worker.
SAN ANTONIO — The trial of a man accused of driving the wrong way while intoxicated and causing a crash that killed a 26-year-old woman is set to begin Monday in San Antonio.
Prosecutors allege that 25-year-old Christopher Rey Navarro was driving under the influence when he entered Interstate 35 traveling the wrong direction near the Interstate 10 West exit in the early morning hours of Jan. 13, 2024.
Authorities say Navarro was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Camaro when he collided head-on with a Dodge Charger shortly after 2 a.m. The crash killed Yulissa Valero, a passenger in the Charger. The driver of the Charger survived but suffered multiple serious injuries. Navarro also survived and was taken to a hospital.
According to an arrest affidavit, a police officer initially spotted Navarro driving the wrong way on I-10 and turned around in an attempt to get ahead of him and deploy tire spikes. The affidavit states the officer later encountered Navarro stopped on the highway and instructed him to exit the vehicle, but Navarro drove off again, continuing in the wrong direction.
Investigators said Navarro later told the officer at the hospital that he had been out eating and drinking with a co-worker and remembered paying his bill, but did not recall leaving the restaurant, driving the wrong way or the crash.
Family members of Valero say her death has left a lasting impact. Her sister, Natalie, said Valero had recently become a mother and was focused on raising her young son.
“She had just become a mom,” Natalie said. “That had changed her whole life. She was ready to move forward.”
Natalie said she learned of the crash after seeing reports online and recognizing details about the vehicle involved.
“I was broken,” she said. “Having to be the one to tell my family was even harder. We haven’t been the same. It’s been hard every day.”
After more than two years, the case is now heading to trial. Valero’s family said they are preparing to face Navarro in court and are hoping for justice.
“I wish he could find it in his heart to be sorry,” Natalie said. “We’re praying that we will have justice for my sister through the court.”
Jury selection in the trial is expected to begin Monday.