Mother Killed, Son Critically Injured When Suspect Ran Red Light In Garland
GARLAND, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - A 28-year-old mother, Karla Rico, was killed Monday, Sept. 6, by a man Garland Police said ran a red light after taking off during a traffic stop.
Her 10-year-old son, Matthew, is in critical condition in the ICU, according to Rico's family.
Their dog died at the crash scene, as well.
It happened just after 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Garland Avenue and Miller Road.
Rico is being remembered as a loving wife, mother, and sister, a kind soul with a pure heart and positive attitude.
She was driving through a Garland intersection on Labor Day when her life was cut short.
Police said it started with the traffic stop of a black Honda Accord.
"During initial contact, the officer observed evidence of narcotics inside the vehicle," said Garland Police Lt. Pedro Barineau. "While the officer was waiting for his backup to arrive to do further investigation, the driver of the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed."
Police said the driver, 37-year-old Bobby Lee Murphy of Oklahoma, fled with his two passengers.
Murphy has since been charged with murder and evading arrest - causing serious bodily injury.
Multiple officers tried to stop him and as he approached Garland Avenue and Miller Road, one officer tried to warn other drivers.
"He looked down the street and he saw this vehicle traveling at such a high rate of speed, he immediately turned on his overhead lights and sirens to alert the drivers to get them to stop from the potential danger that was coming," said Lt. Barineau.
Police said Murphy slammed into Rico and her son in the middle of the intersection and then hit another car.
The third victim suffered minor injuries.
Murphy and his two passengers remain hospitalized.
Garland Police said this is still an active investigation.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Rico's family.