GALVESTON, Texas – The criminal trial for the suspected drunk driver accused of hitting and killing a family of four in a golf cart in Galveston back in August 2022 is now underway.
Miguel Espinoza, 47, is facing five felony charges, including involuntary manslaughter with a vehicle.
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Galveston Police said Felipe Bentancur, 49, and Destiny Uvalle, 25, were two of the adult victims identified in the crash. The minor victims were identified as 14-year-old Brailyn Cantu and the youngest, 4-year-old Kaisyn Bentancur.
On Monday, 65 potential jurors were called to the Galveston County Courthouse. By the end of the day, seven women and six men were seated as jurors.
Following the crash, Galveston Mayor Craig Brown called for stricter golf cart ordinances in the city.
Discussions within the city council included enforcing an age restriction on golf carts or even banning them from being driven at night.
However, none of the proposals came to fruition.
A spokesperson with the city of Galveston released the following statement:
“Galveston has requirements concerning golf cart registration, and we enforce all state laws regarding golf carts, which include wearing seat belts and being equipped with headlights, taillights, parking brakes, and mirrors. There have not been other changes to the ordinance since then.”
We also reached out to the Galveston Police Department, who told us a traffic safety unit was formed shortly after the crash in August 2022 by Police Chief Doug Balli.
“Our goal is to continue pursuing unsafe driving practices as part of our ongoing effort to make Galveston as safe as possible,” said Kurt Koopman, the Galveston Police media relations specialist.
Shortly after the crash, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agents arrested Gil Garcia, a bartender accused of overserving alcohol to Espinoza at a bar.
TABC communications director Chris Porter released the following statement to KPRC 2:
“Our records indicate that the case involving Gil Garcia is still pending criminal disposition, meaning there’s not yet been a final ruling by the court. You may wish to reach out to the county court to inquire if a trial date or hearing has been set.”
Garcia’s case does not appear in Galveston County court records as of Monday.
A memorial still sits in place where four people were killed in the golf cart crash on Avenue R and 33rd Street.
Opening statements for the trial of Miguel Espinoza are set to begin Tuesday morning.
