Gerald Adams, a 66-year-old resident of Paris, Texas, was apprehended yesterday, August 24, 2023, on charges related to a fatal crash that occurred on December 4, 2022. Adams now faces four charges of criminally negligent homicide, each carrying a $20,000 bond, totaling $80,000.
As outlined in the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) press release, the fatal crash unfolded on State Highway 19 in Hopkins County. The incident involved multiple vehicles, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives.
On that December day, a 2007 Toyota Avalon and a 1998 Toyota Avalon were stationary, waiting to execute a left turn onto County Road 4764 from SH-19. In a tragic turn of events, a 2017 Ford E Series Van, allegedly driven by Gerald Adams, attempted to pass these vehicles by driving on the shoulder. The Ford van reportedly failed to control its speed, leading to a collision with both the 1998 Toyota Avalon and the 2007 Toyota Avalon.
The collision's impact forced the 1998 Toyota Avalon into the southbound lane of State Highway 19, where it was struck by a 2023 Cadillac Escalade and a 2014 Kia Soul. Regrettably, all four occupants of the 1998 Toyota Avalon lost their lives. They were identified as Celestino Reina (60), Ceila Reina (60), Maria Reina (32), and a 7-year-old male child, Dariel Rodriguez, all residents of Sulphur Springs.
Gerald Adams, identified as the driver of the 2017 Ford E Series Van, emerged from the accident unscathed. However, subsequent investigations led to his arrest on charges of criminally negligent homicide, casting a spotlight on the events that transpired that December day.
Aside from the fatalities, eight other individuals, including occupants and drivers of the involved vehicles, sustained non-incapacitating injuries and were treated at a local hospital.
