HAMILTON—Jaliyah Stevenson, 20, from Killeen, died in a crash early Sunday morning on Mar. 9 in Hamilton, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The incident occurred around 3:20 a.m. when a southbound 2021 Mazda CX-5 left U.S. Highway 281, struck a tree, and caught fire.
Authorities reported that Stevenson, a passenger in the vehicle, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. Another 20-year-old female passenger from Killeen also died at the scene. A 20-year-old male passenger suffered critical injuries and was taken to Baylor Scott and White Hospital.
The driver, a 21-year-old Killeen resident, escaped with minor injuries and faces two counts of intoxicated manslaughter.
DPS said the crash remains under investigation.
Jaliyah Stevenson tragically killed in Hamilton solo-car accident
March 10, 2025
Incident Location
DUI ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Despite crackdowns throughout this country, impaired drivers remain a threat to innocent, law-abiding victims.
The consumption of alcohol can diminish the ability to operate a motor vehicle. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, each year about 300,000 people are injured in the U.S. by drunken drivers.
An independent investigation will be required to learn other potential factors in the case such as blood alcohol content levels.
Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, was interviewed and provided her thoughts on incidents such as this.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party, said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of 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. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide an injured victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights, while ensuring that a driver who takes the wheel under the influence is held accountable for their actions.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Jaliyah Stevenson may pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond.
“We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
If your loved one has been killed by a drunken driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
