SAN ANTONIO -- Another child has died, making it 4 dead now in a tragic accident on the west side.
It has left eyewitnesses and family members shaken as to the amount of damage suspected drunk driving has done to one family.
A father sat in jail Monday while his surviving son was at University Hospital fighting for his life.
"I smelled a lot of alcohol, that’s why I don’t think he realized what he did," said Henry Zimmerle.
What he did, witnesses say, was wrap his vehicle around a heavy piece of construction equipment along Medina Base Road.
Authorities arrested 35-year old Larry Demers on charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. His victims: his own family.
While Demers was outfitted with a neck brace, his wife Roxanne Mendoza and two children lay dead in the family’s car.
Another child would die at the hospital, that’s where relatives would gather with an around-the-clock vigil for the surviving child.
“They don’t give him past 48 hours. We’re pretty much expecting him not to live. So, we’re just here supporting the family,” said Jessica Estrada.
Estrada says the Demers were headed home after celebrating Father’s Day.
But these are memories eyewitnesses like Zimmerle say no father wants to share.
“Sad to know he lost his whole family last night. I don’t think he realized what he caused to happen for the rest of his life," said Zimmerle.
Demers bonds total $400,000 for the intoxication manslaughter and assault charges. Police expect to upgrade those charges in the coming days. Relatives are working on a trust fund.
