SHERMAN, Texas - A Melissa man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for causing a deadly 2025 crash while driving with a blood alcohol concentration more than twice the legal limit.
Justin Ray Deleon, 31, was sentenced August 27, 2026, to 18 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for Intoxication Manslaughter with a Vehicle, according to Grayson County Criminal District Attorney John Kermit Hill.
The charge stemmed from an October 19, 2025, crash that killed 56-year-old Kim Evette Key.
At approximately 2 a.m., Deleon was driving on State Highway 289 in Dorchester after leaving Prosper, where authorities said he had been drinking.
Investigators determined Deleon veered into the oncoming lane and collided with another vehicle.
Key, who was the sole occupant of the other vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Deleon was injured in the crash.
An investigation determined Deleon had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.174, more than twice Texas' legal driving limit of 0.08.
Deleon also had a previous DWI conviction from 2015.
District Attorney: 'A Person Who Was Obeying the Law Is Dead'
Intoxication Manslaughter with a Vehicle is a second-degree felony in Texas punishable by two to 20 years in prison. Deleon's 18-year sentence is two years below the maximum punishment.
Hill said the case illustrates why his office takes a strong position on intoxicated driving, particularly when a defendant has already been convicted of DWI.
“This type of case is why I’m adamant about the message we’re sending regarding DWI,” Hill said. “A person who was obeying the law is dead and her family and friends are left dealing with the loss.”
Hill said the consequences of the crash extend to both families.
“At the same time, the intoxicated driver will spend years in prison, seriously affecting his life and that of his loved ones,” Hill said.
“When someone has a prior conviction for DWI, as did this defendant, and has failed to control his behavior, we can’t undo the damage he caused,” Hill added. “What we can do is remove him from the roads for a while and make others realize that they will be held accountable in a serious way.”
Judge Jim Fallon of the 59th District Court presided over the case.
Assistant District Attorney Matt Flanagan prosecuted the case. Deleon was represented by defense attorney Michael Sissney.
