Three people, including a 12-year-old boy, were killed in a horrifying Texas crash that police believe was caused by illegal street racing.
Another child remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition after the deadly collision Monday night in Duncanville.
Police said officers were called to the intersection of West Wheatland Road and South Cedar Ridge Drive at about 8:45 p.m. on June 8. When they arrived, they found a white Chrysler 300 and a gray Toyota Corolla involved in the wreck.
The Corolla was carrying four people. The Chrysler had only one person inside.
Authorities said 12-year-old Lucas Reyna died in the crash, along with his mother and grandmother.
A verified GoFundMe created by Lucas’ uncle described the boy as “full of joy and excitement.” His family said he had recently won second place in a baseball championship and attended Village Tech, where he was known for his kindness and bright spirit.
Duncanville Police Chief Matthew Stogner said the first officer arrived just 22 seconds after the call came in and immediately began lifesaving efforts.
Police said the Chrysler slammed into the passenger side of the Corolla.
The 50-year-old woman driving the Corolla and the 78-year-old woman riding in the front passenger seat were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two 12-year-old boys who were also inside the Corolla were rushed to nearby hospitals. One of them, Lucas, later died. The other child remains hospitalized.
According to NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, the surviving child is Lucas’ cousin. The family said on GoFundMe that he is “still fighting for his life in the hospital” as loved ones hold onto hope for his recovery.
The driver of the white Chrysler did not suffer major injuries, police said.
Investigators believe the crash was likely caused by an illegal street race involving two vehicles. Police said evidence from the scene and witness statements indicate the vehicles were racing westbound on West Wheatland Road when one of them struck the Corolla.
Stogner said a white Chrysler 300 and a black Chrysler 300 were traveling “at a very high rate of speed” before the crash.
Witness Miraz Carlos told FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth that he was pumping gas when he heard the impact.
“We were trying to help, but there was nothing we could do,” Carlos said.
Two men have been arrested in connection with the crash. Police identified them as 20-year-old Kishawn Copeland and 21-year-old Ronnie Coleman.
Charges are still pending, but police said they are expected to include multiple felony offenses.
“The decisions made in a matter of seconds can have devastating and irreversible consequences for innocent people and their families,” Stogner said. “The loss of three lives and one victim with life-altering injuries in this incident is a stark reminder of those dangers.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information is urged to contact Officer Luna at 972-707-3854 or the Duncanville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 972-780-5037.
