Harlingen, TX (KRGV) — A 30-year-old man was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty in connection with a crash that killed a 77-year-old woman from San Benito, Cameron County court records show.

Jose De La Cruz pleaded guilty to charges of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury, court records show.

The crash happened on Nov. 15, 2024, on FM 509 south of FM 800 in Harlingen, according to a news release from the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: One woman dies in weekend crash in Harlingen, two remain in critical condition

De La Cruz was identified as the driver of a silver 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe that was speeding in the area and attempting to pass a semi-truck in a no-passing zone when the crash happened. The Chevrolet ended up striking the rear of the semi-truck and collided with a black 2021 Hyundai Kona driven by Oralia Garza.

Garza and her male passenger, along with De La Cruz, were hospitalized in critical condition, and she died the day after the crash. 

De La Cruz was indicted in connection with the crash on Feb. 12, 2025.  He is receiving jail credit for time served.