Austin man charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter for deaths of two children

AUSTIN, Texas - Repeat convicted drunk driver, John Alvarado, has been charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter for the deaths of two Liberty Hill children.

Bond has been set at $1 million for each.

FOX 7's Noelle Newton will have more on this story at 9 pm and 10 pm on the FOX 7 News Edge.

This is an update to a story. The previous version is as follows.

DPS Troopers say John Alvarado, 45, slammed into the back of a car driven by a mother who was taking her four children ages nine, 12, 15, and 16 home.

The impact of the crash killed the nine year old girl and her 15-year-old brother. Paramedics transported the other three to area hospitals in critical condition.

Alvarado was treated and released at UMC Brackenridge and taken into custody. He was jailed for driving with a suspended license. Additional charges are expected. Jail records show he has been arrested for DWI twice.

"Unfortunatley in the northern part of Williamson County there was a traffic accident that very sadly resulted in two fatalities," said Justice of the Peace Bill Gravell.

A routine trip turned deadly for the family. Troopers say the mother was trying to turn into their neighborhood of Highway 183 near Saratoga Springs just before 9 p.m. "We were sitting outside and started hearing the commotion," said Michael Cordell, a neighbor. Cordell says that stretch of highway is dangerous and dark.

All four siblings attended Liberty Hill Schools. Hearts are heavy across the district according to Superintendent Dr. Rob Hart.

"It's always tragic when something like this happens you never want to lose students. It is a tough day when this happens," said Hart. The young girl was in the 4th grade at Bill Burden Elementary and her brother was a 9th grader at Liberty Hill High School.

"We'll support them as much as we can," said Hart. Counselors are on hand and more are on standby from neighboring districts to assist.

"It just shouldn't happen. Drinking and driving. It just shouldn't happen," said Cordell.

"It's devastating for this family and community," said Gravell.

Friends have set up a GoFundMe page to assist with medical and funeral expenses. You can donate here.