Texas
Lawyers for wealthy Texas housewife accused of plowing Porsche into man on first date argue her designer heels caused deadly crash
The wealthy Texas housewife accused of plowing into and killing a man on a first date while drunk and high claims her expensive high heels got stuck on the gas pedal of her Porsche 911 Carrera.
Kristina Chambers, 34, went on trial Friday for manslaughter in connection with the April 2023 crash that killed 33-year-old Joseph McMullin as he and his date were leaving a Voodoo Doughnut shop in Houston.
Prosecutors allege Chambers had been bar-hopping with friends that night, was four times over the legal alcohol limit, and had small baggies of cocaine in her car and purse, according to the Houston Chronicle.
But her attorney, Mark Thiessen, argued her designer shoes caused the fatal crash.
Thiessen claims his clients expensive Christian Louboutin heels had gotten stuck on the gas pedal of her Porsche as she drover down “one of Houston’s most dangerous curves.”
However, prosecutors Andrew Figliuzzi refuted the argument to the jury — believing Chambers was “itching to show off her sports car” to her two friends inside the Porsche at the time of the fatal wreck.
About an hour after the crash, Chambers registered a blood alcohol level of .301, nearly four times the legal limit, the Houston Chronicle reported, citing medical records.
Audio tech Briana Iturrino, who was on a date with McMullin that night, told the court they’d just left Voodoo Doughnuts around 2:25 a.m. when she saw blinding headlights barreling straight at them.
Iturrino testified that she realized the speedy sports car — estimated to be traveling over 70 mph at the time of impact — was about to make a sharp turn directly toward them.
In the blink of an eye, the Porsche whipped past, missing Iturrino by inches — and when she turned to shout a warning to McMullin, he had vanished.
“I thought he had gotten out of the way, because I couldn’t find him,” Iturrino said.
Iturrino said she felt something brush against her hip, which she first thought was the car, but later realized was McMullin being thrown about 30 feet as Chambers drove on and slammed into a pole.
She then called 911 and a dispatcher instructed her to perform CPR until paramedics arrived, but McMullin died at the scene.
Chambers and her two passengers were injured in the wreck.
The general manager of the nearby Slick Willie’s pool hall, Alfredo Ponce, also testified, telling the court he heard the crash and ran outside to help, the outlet reported.
“I’ve seen so many accidents on that road,” Ponce said. “Every time, I get out and help whoever needs help and is injured.”
Ponce testified that the crash was one of the worst he had seen and said when he reached the sports car to help those inside he remembered it reeked of alcohol.
Chambers was charged with manslaughter in McMullin’s death. She has pleaded not guilty, with prosecutors alleging she was driving at an excessive speed and lost control of her vehicle.
In the two years since her arrest, Chambers’ case has seen a string of legal battles.
A wrongful death lawsuit filed by McMullin’s parents against Chambers in June 2023 remains pending.
The suit also partly blames Chambers’ former partner — hedge fund manager, Xuan Si, who filed for divorce from her just days after she was released on bail — for purchasing the luxury sports car just months before the fatal crash.
However, Si has denied purchasing the sports car for his ex-wife, claiming instead that she bought the car herself using cash from their joint account.
Si also denied that his wife had a drinking problem, and said he had never seen her consume drugs or drive drunk.
Sebastian Lopez — a close friend who was riding with Chambers the night of the fatal crash — described her as an “alcoholic” in his deposition and claimed Si knew she regularly drank and did drugs.
He added that she’d driven drunk “a handful” of times, even after getting the luxury Porsche.
McMullins grieving parents are seeking over $1 million in compensation for their son’s death.
Lawyers in Chambers’ criminal trial have been forbidden from mentioning the explosive claims in the civil lawsuit, which is slated for an April court date.
Texas
How to get FEMA aid, Red Cross help and state assistance after tornado, storm damage in North Texas
The recent wave of tornadoes and other severe weather that tore through North Texas damaged or destroyed homes in multiple communities.
For residents who were impacted, or those who might find themselves in a similar situation in the future, the federal and state governments, as well as other organizations, can help.
Here are some resources to start looking for assistance.
Federal disaster assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, can help provide immediate assistance to find shelter by texting the word SHELTER and the ZIP code to 43362. The agency also offers financial aid for temporary hotel stays for two weeks following a disaster.
FEMA also runs the Individuals and Households Program (IHP), that provides longer-term assistance and services to “eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or underinsured expenses and serious needs.”
People impacted by disasters should take photos of the damage, make a list of items that were lost or damaged and file an insurance claim as soon as possible, FEMA says on its website. The request for FEMA assistance can be made before an insurance claim, but FEMA requires proof of an insurance settlement or denial before the request can be considered. FEMA will not cover items what were covered by insurance.
FEMA aid applicants must prove their identity, citizenship status and ownership or occupancy of the damaged home. FEMA may then inspect the home before making a decision on the claim.
Impacted residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, on FEMA’s mobile app, by phone at 800-621-3362, or in person at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.
Texas disaster assistance
Texans can get immediate help from the state by calling 211 or visiting 211Texas.org. The 211 service helps connect people with state agencies and non-governmental organizations to fit their needs.
The American Red Cross currently has disaster relief centers open in both Springtown and Mineral Wells where people can go for food, medicine and emergency supplies. The Red Cross also has caseworkers to help residents with disaster recovery planning, financial assistance and insurance claims.
Two roe deer fawns (Capreolus capreolus) lying in grass of meadow. (Photo by: Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is reminding residents that baby animals, while cute, are best left alone. In fact, state law prevents human meddling.
The reminder comes just ahead of fawning season — when baby deer start to appear across the Lone Star State.
Texas wildlife reminder
TPWD says they know it’s tempting to want to help baby animals that appear to need assistance. However, they’re reminding Texans, not only is it illegal to touch the animals, but they often don’t need the help.
What they’re saying:
“People want to help, but intervening is often the worst thing you can do,” said Richard Heilbrun, TPWD Division Deputy Director. “Most young animals are not abandoned, their parents are nearby and will return. The best thing you can do is give them space.”
It’s illegal to capture or keep wild animals under Texas law without the proper permits, and attempting to relocate them is also not allowed except under very specific regulations.
Texas animal sightings
White-tailed deer fawning season starts in early to mid-May, the department says, and mother deer — or does — will often leave their babies hidden for hours at a time before they return to feed them. Since fawns are well-camouflaged with their spotted coats in infancy, those “hiding places” are often in plain sight, where they blend into their surroundings. The department wants residents to know that those fawns aren’t abandoned; rather, their mothers are most often out finding food.
Baby birds are also often mistaken as abandoned and in need of rescue. Species like doves, blue jays and mockingbirds will spend a lot of time on the ground as babies while they learn to fly, and it’s common to think they need help getting back to safety. In actuality, the department says, their parents are still nearby keeping watch, and humans’ attempts to assist can be more of a hindrance.
(GERMANY OUT) young blackbirds in the bird’s nest (Photo by Hohlfeld/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
Turtles are often seen in Texas this time of year as well, particularly, the department notes, while trying to cross roadways. They provided information about helping the reptiles get out of the path of cars, which you can access here, but they’re also reminding residents that wild animals cannot be captured as pets.
Particularly in South Texas at this time of year, alligator sightings are also on the rise. The warmer months ahead of the summer are the reptiles’ mating period, and it becomes more common to see them crossing roads or sunning near public waterways. Alligators should be avoided, and pets and children should be kept nearby when in common sighting areas.
How to help wild animals
What you can do:
If you find an animal in the wild that truly seems to need immediate help, the first step should always be to contact the wildlife department.
Reach out to a TPWD wildlife rehabilitator if you find yourself in that position, and never start by trying to handle or relocate an animal on your own.
Learn more about what to do upon encountering orphaned or injured wildlife on the TPWD Wildlife Division website. Tips from biologists regarding fawns and baby birds are available on the TPWD YouTube channel.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
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