Repeat drunk driver to be charged with the deaths of two Liberty Hill children

LIBERTY HILL, Texas - A repeat drunk driver is in the Williamson County Jail charged with intoxication manslaughter for the deaths of a 9-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy. Their mother and two other siblings were badly injured.

Broken glass still lies along U.S. 183 north of Liberty Hill, possibly from a vehicle carrying a family of five that has since been shattered.

On Wednesday night troopers say a mom was attempting to turn into the Saratoga Springs neighborhood when she was struck from behind by 45-year-old John Alvarado.

A 9-year-old girl and her 15-year-old brother were killed. Their 12 and 16-year-old brothers were taken to local hospitals along with their mother.

"That's just sad. It shouldn't ever happen. Especially drinking and driving," said neighbor Michael Cordell.

The kids attended Liberty Hill schools. On Thursday counselors were made available to help students cope.

"It's always tragic when something like this happens. You never want to lose students," said LHISD Superintendent Dr. Rob Hart.

There is also a feeling of sadness at the Mothers Against Drunk Driving office in Austin. Especially, with staff knowing that Alvarado has been in jail for DWI twice before.

"It's really gloomy. As you know a loss of life is very difficult on anybody, especially someone so young," said spokesperson Raul Vasquez.

Court records show that Alvarado's first DWI arrest was in Cedar Park in 2008. A woman told officers that she witnessed Alvarado strike a curb on Lakeline Boulevard with such force it blew out both passenger side tires. Officers say he admitted to drinking a beer at a family barbecue. Officers found 4 lorazepam pills in a front pocket of his pants. He was convicted and sentenced to 20 days in jail.

In 2009, round rock police arrested Alvarado for DWI after he failed to use his turn signal.at the time his license was suspended the 2008 DWI. He was convicted and sentenced to 180 days in jail and one year probation.

Now he is facing two intoxication manslaughter charges for causing the deaths of two children whose mother was simply trying to take them home.

A GoFundMe account has been set up for the family. Click here to learn more.