Crime
Joel Gonzalez Chacin Arrested in Tragic Crash That Killed 7 year-old Ivory Smith in Houston
On December 1, 2024, deputies from Constable Mark Herman’s Office responded to a fatal crash in the 10900 block of Bammel North Houston Road.
The collision, believed to be caused by impaired driving, resulted in the tragic death of 7-year-old Ivory Smith. Her mother, Christina Quainoo, sustained severe injuries and remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The suspected drunk driver, Joel Gonzalez Chacin, was arrested at the scene and charged with Intoxication Manslaughter. He is currently held in the Harris County Jail on a $150,000 bond set by the 232nd District Court.
Ivory’s family is heartbroken, mourning the loss of their vibrant and joyful little girl. They have called on the community to support their pursuit of justice and to raise awareness about the devastating consequences of drunk driving.
“Together, we can fight for Ivory’s justice and ensure her legacy inspires meaningful change,” a family member shared.
Family members will appear in court today, urging accountability and change to prevent future tragedies. They are also requesting prayers and emotional support during this incredibly difficult time.
The loss of Ivory has left a profound void in the lives of her loved ones. The family hopes her story will serve as a reminder of the importance of safe and responsible driving.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Ivory’s family. Rest in peace, beautiful Ivory. Your light will continue to shine in the hearts of those who loved you.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.