Wreck that killed 2 kids lands DWI mom in prison Another of her other children suffered brain injury
GEORGETOWN — A 36-year-old mother accused of driving drunk and killing two of her children in an accident is headed to prison for decades, prosecutors said.
Christina Hejl of Conroe pleaded guilty to five felony charges Monday in a Williamson County court-of-law, officials said.
Hejl, who received a 40-year prison sentence, is required to spend at least half of that time behind bars before she is eligible for parole, officials said.
“This is an unspeakably tragic case that highlights the devastating consequences of driving while intoxicated. Hejl’s decision to drive while impaired led to the senseless loss of life and permanent injury to her own children,” said District Attorney Shawn Dick in a prepared statement. “My office will continue to prosecute those who recklessly endanger lives on our roads.”
The tragedy took place in March in eastern Williamson County on FM 1331, according to police. At the time of the accident, Hejl registered a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit, officials said.
She was headed east on 1331 with her five children when the minivan she drove traveled off the roadway while negotiating a curve, according to reports.
Two of her children, ages 11 and 8, were thrown from the vehicle. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
A third child, 10, was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening wounds, including broken ribs and a brain injury.
Two others, ages 5 and 1, had non-life-threatening injuries.
Hejl told investigators she was driving too fast on an unfamiliar road. She also had prescription drugs in her system at the time of the crash, according to reports.
She was charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury and two counts of endangering a child.
Hejl’s case was prosecuted by assistant district attorneys Tiffany Clark and Cari Warner.
“I commend the first responders and the Texas Department of Public Safety-Georgetown troopers for their resilience at this traumatic scene and their thorough and diligent investigation,” Dick said. “Our thoughts remain with the surviving children and their family during this difficult time.”
