GARLAND (WBAP/KLIF News) – A mother was killed and her 10-year-old son critically injured after a man evading Garland Police ran a red light at high speed.
The incident started around 3:30 p.m. Monday near Shiloh Rd. and Northwest Highway.
Investigators said a Garland police officer had stopped the driver of a Honda accord.
After police found drugs in the car, the driver, identified as 37-year-old Bobby Lee Murphy of Oklahoma, sped off.
During the pursuit, officers tried to catch Murphy who was driving north on Garland Avenue. He eventually blew through a red light near Garland Avenue and Miller Road, hitting a silver Toyota headed west on Miller.
He also hit a black Honda CRV that was waiting at the red light facing southbound on Garland Avenue.
The victim, 28-year-old Karla Rico, was in the silver Toyota with her young son.
Garland Police said Rico died at the scene and her son was rushed to the hospital. The family’s dog died at the scene as well.
The third driver suffered minor injuries.
Murphy is hospitalized with serious injuries and is facing charges of murder and evading arrest – causing serious bodily injury.
It’s not clear if the two others in the car with him will face any charges.
Rico’s family has launched a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral expenses. The page said her loved ones are heartbroken by the loss.
“Karla was an incredible person and was loved and admired by everyone who knew her. She was such a blessing to everyone who had the privilege of working with her,” said the organizer Emily Smith.
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