A Texas family is fighting for justice after a seven-year-old girl was allegedly killed in a drunken driving accident earlier this month by an illegal immigrant.
Joel Gonzalez Chacon, 41, was Allegation of intoxication manslaughter For the death of Ivory Smith, a second grader at Clinic Elementary School in Houston.
“We have a lot of memories of Ivory,” Collins told “Fox & Friends” host Steve Doocy.
“She was a bubbly star to us. She loved the spotlight. She loved dancing. She loved gymnastics. She had a YouTube channel, and we’re going to miss her. She always had such a smile, you see. . She was always smiling, and we didn’t protect her, Texas laws didn’t protect her.”
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Authorities confirmed to Fox News Digital that the 41-year-old immigrant was drunk. T-Bond Christina Smith and her daughter Ivory December 1st at 2:45 am.
Police said Chachan took pictures of the accident scene “instead of helping” and then drove away. Two victims It was only a few minutes from home.
“Unfortunately, he didn’t care. He didn’t care that it was a mother and daughter in that car,” Collins said. “He caused damage. He didn’t try to help. He didn’t try to call for help. He got out, he took pictures, and he tried to flee the scene.”
Fox 26 Houston reported that court records show that Chacon was previously placed at another. ICE Hold After being arrested earlier this year in June for assaulting a family member.
The aggravated assault charge against him was dropped to a misdemeanor and, after pleading guilty, Chacon was sentenced to 113 days in jail, which he had already served, and was released the same day. An ICE detainer against him was also lifted on the same day for an unknown reason.
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“We want the laws to be tougher in Texas,” Collins said. “When they decide to drink and drive, they decide to go to jail for a potentially long sentence because they don’t give us that choice when we’re riding down the road trying to get home. would give.”
“I should be able to ride. People in Texas should be able to get in their car and get home if we’re doing everything right,” he continued. “We shouldn’t have to worry about anyone drinking and driving on the roads.”
According to a statement released by the family, the mother, who has since been released from the hospital, is “bearing a lot. Physical and emotional pain“By accident.
“My niece lost her only child. Her father lost his only daughter,” Collins said. “Our family has lost Ivory, who was loved by our entire family. She was one of the youngest girls in our family, and we just want justice.”
“We’re trying to change these laws because it’s unfair. As you guys say, it’s 12 days before Christmas and we’re planning a funeral instead of trying to celebrate Christmas.” He continued.
Fox News’ Peter Pinedo and Sarah Rumpf Whitten contributed to this report.
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