Witnesses tackled him as he tried to flee. He told police only, "They got in my way."
The Crash
On the morning of May 7, 2023, a group of migrants, most of them recently arrived from Venezuela, were waiting at a bus stop outside the Ozanam Center, an overnight shelter in Brownsville, Texas. Around 8:30 a.m., a Range Rover driven by George Alvarez, 34, ran a red light, lost control, flipped, and struck the group, killing eight people and critically injuring ten others.
An Early Question of Intent
In the immediate aftermath, Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda said investigators had not ruled out the possibility the crash was intentional, while awaiting toxicology results. Alvarez attempted to flee the scene but was held down by bystanders until police arrived.
Charges
Alvarez was initially charged with reckless driving, then with eight counts of manslaughter and ten counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He later pleaded guilty to 18 of those charges, and prosecutors pursued the remaining eight counts of intoxication manslaughter at trial.
Trial
At trial, prosecutors argued Alvarez was intoxicated at the time of the crash; Alvarez, who acknowledged a longstanding cocaine addiction, testified he had last used the drug several days earlier and said he blacked out before the crash, maintaining it was not intentional. In June 2024, a Cameron County jury found him guilty on all counts.
Sentencing
Alvarez was sentenced to 60 years in prison. Cameron County District Attorney Luis Sáenz said the verdict brought some measure of resolution for the victims' families, while acknowledging that eight people had still lost their lives and ten others had their lives permanently altered.
FAQ
Was the Brownsville crash determined to be intentional?
No. Despite early speculation, Alvarez was ultimately convicted of intoxication manslaughter, meaning the crash was found to be the result of impaired driving rather than a deliberate attack.
What sentence did George Alvarez receive?
60 years in prison, following his conviction on all charges including intoxication manslaughter and aggravated assault.
How many people were affected?
Eight people were killed and ten others were critically injured.