Jury Sentences Cristobal Stephan Garzez to 20 Years in Death of Texas Towman David Zapata.
A Texas jury has sentenced Cristobal Stephan Garzez to 20 years in prison for the July 2025 death of tow truck operator David Zapata in Harlingen.
Garzez was convicted of intoxication manslaughter after striking Zapata with a white Dodge Ram while he was securing a vehicle to his tow truck on the shoulder of Expressway 83. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Garzez failed to slow down and left the scene.
Following the guilty verdict, jurors deliberated for 20 minutes before imposing the sentence. They also found that Garzez used his vehicle as a deadly weapon.
During the sentencing hearing, Zapata’s wife, Grace, delivered an emotional victim impact statement. She described her husband of nearly 27 years as more than a victim, calling him the father of their four children.
Zapata was killed the day after the family celebrated their youngest son's 14th birthday.
“My husband will never come home because of drugs and carelessness,” Grace said.
The Cameron County District Attorney’s Office said the verdict sends a clear message that the community will not tolerate impaired driving that takes lives.
Source: https://www.krgv.com/
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