Fatal Crash in Edinburg Leads to 20-Year Prison Sentence

In a heartbreaking development out of Edinburg, an Illinois woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after a deadly crash that claimed two lives. The tragic event unfolded on April 23, 2024, at the intersection of Alamo Road and Texas Road, where authorities say 41-year-old Amanda Marie Bender failed to yield at a stop sign, setting off a chain-reaction crash that turned deadly.

A Night of Tragedy

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Bender’s vehicle collided with a Nissan Sentra after she ran a stop sign. The impact sent the Sentra spinning into a pole, where it caught fire. Tragically, two people were killed in the incident: one passenger inside the Sentra and another who was traveling with Bender.

Following the crash, Bender was charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle. She pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The Community Reacts

The loss has deeply affected the Edinburg community, highlighting the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. Authorities emphasized the importance of making responsible choices when behind the wheel, especially when alcohol is involved.

“Every decision matters,” a DPS spokesperson said in a statement following the sentencing. “This case is a sobering reminder that a single moment of negligence can shatter multiple lives forever.”

Legal Consequences

Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony in Texas, carrying a punishment of up to 20 years in prison per count. In Bender’s case, the judge opted to impose the maximum sentence allowed, citing the loss of two innocent lives.

The DPS and local law enforcement agencies continue to urge the public to plan ahead if they intend to drink—using ride shares, designated drivers, or public transportation—to prevent tragedies like this from occurring again.

Useful Resources and Contacts

• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): https://www.dps.texas.gov
• City of Edinburg Official Website: https://cityofedinburg.com

For emergencies or to report suspected drunk drivers in the Edinburg area, call 956-383-8114.