One Killed and Two In Critical Condition in Head-On Collision
By: Brittany Escobar
Updated: August 13, 2012
"10-50 with, East Slaton road in the South Loop."
Lubbock police say a traffic accident happening round 7:30 on Sunday evening took the life of 27-year-old Laura Botkin and left two men in critical condition
"I think both vehicles at the last minute both took evasive action," said Sgt. Jeff Baker.
According to police the driver of a Honda, 26-year-old Jonathan Runnels was traveling south east on Slaton highway, when a Chevy pickup driven by 35-year-old Jose Marmolejo Jr. was driving the wrong way down the highway.
"They both swerved the same way," said Baker.
He said while trying to avoid the collision the two vehicles hit head on in the median.
Marmolejo was airlifted by aerocare.
Runnels and Botkin were taken by ambulance to UMC where Botkin was pronounced dead.
At this time police say Marmolejo could face traffic violations and possibly intoxication manslaughter if evidence points to alcohol being involved.
"It will depend on if there is alcohol involved then it could escalate to intoxication manslaughter, but we won't know the test results on that for a few days," said Baker.
Marmolejo had an active warrant out for a previous DWI at the time of the crash.
Police say they are still investigating to see if alcohol was a factor.
