Body of New Braunfels Man Found on I-35
The body of New Braunfels resident Ricardo Rodriguez, 37, was found in the exit ramp area of a southbound I-35 access road, according to KGNB News Radio. He was allegedly the victim of a hit and run accident in the Bexar County neighborhood. A Bexar County police officer found the body while on a normal patrol and contacted investigators. According to KGNB, investigators traced debris found at the site to a Nissan Versa parked at a nearby apartment complex. Rodriguez was apparently “walking on the right side of the road while attempting to ross the Wonder World overpass” when he was struck. The impact “caused him to slide into the access road.” 21-year-old Jennifer McKernan was charged with failure to stop and render aid, but posted the $10,000 bail. She might face further charges because the accident led to Rodriguez’s death. Hit and run laws in Texas are stringent. According to DeadlyRoads.com, in the event of an accident, the operator of the vehicle is required to “stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible, or immediately return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene.” Any operator who does not comply with these provisions faces imprisonment in the “institutional division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for not more than five years or confinement in the county jail for not more than one year,” in addition to a maximum fine of $5,000. There is no limitation in Texas for murder or manslaughter. If McKernan is found guilty, she could face both a fine and jail time. If you or a family member has been injured or killed by a hit and run accident, you’re most likely eligible for compensation. Contact an experienced New Braunfels personal injury lawyer today.
