Jasper Bunny Killed in Lybrook DUI Accident
Crescencio Castro Baldazo charged with vehicular homicide after fatal hit-and-run collision on U.S. 550
Jasper Bunny, 55, of Farmington, died Sunday in a commercial vehicle crash on U.S. 550 near Lybrook, New Mexico, police said.
Crescencio Castro Baldazo, 34, was arrested and charged with homicide by vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, and having an open container of alcohol, police said. He was booked into the Rio Arriba County jail.
The crash happened around 11 a.m. when a white GMC pickup truck crashed into a water tanker truck, causing the commercial vehicle to overturn, police said. An off-duty Texas police officer witnessed the wreck and stopped to help.
Bunny was ejected from the tanker and suffered serious injuries, including a partially amputated leg, police said. He was airlifted to a hospital, where he later died.
Investigators determined Castro Baldazo's employer had reported concerns earlier that day that he might be driving impaired, police said. A criminal complaint noted his blood-alcohol concentration was measured at 0.19 approximately five hours after the crash.
The crash remains under investigation by state police.
The crash on U.S. 550 near Lybrook, which resulted in the death of Bunny, involved a commercial water tanker truck and a GMC pickup. the crash occurred around 11 a.m. and led to the tanker overturning, with Bunny being ejected. The investigation will focus on the actions of Baldazo, who was driving the GMC pickup and has been charged with homicide by vehicle and other offenses. His reported blood-alcohol concentration of 0.19 approximately five hours after the crash is a key element in the ongoing state police investigation.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently." Bond said. She emphasized that "Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the victim’s family must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently."
National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal. "We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital," Formica stated. He added that a lawyer "will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of."
What is the role of the off-duty officer in the investigation?
How will the employer's concerns about impaired driving affect the investigation?
What is the significance of the blood-alcohol concentration measurement?
New Mexico wrongful death statute
Under N.M. Stat. § 41-2-1, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. New Mexico applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the estate's losses.