2020-05-26 Paul chavez
Fatal crash at SW 46th and Parker Street (May 2020)
| Fatal crash at SW 46th and Parker Street |
|---|
| Location Intersection of SW 46th Avenue and South Parker Street, Amarillo, Texas, U.S. (near Southlawn Park) |
| Date May 26, 2020; approximately 3:40 p.m. (CDT) |
| Victim George Kenneth Ulibarri (58) |
| Offender Paul Vincent Chavez (30 at time of crash) |
| Charges Murder; Accident causing death; Felony assault warrant |
| Verdict Guilty of murder (pleaded guilty as part of plea agreement) |
| Sentence 30 years’ imprisonment (March 2024) |
| Court Randall County, Texas |
The fatal crash at SW 46th and Parker Street occurred on May 26, 2020, in Amarillo, Texas, when 30-year-old Paul Vincent Chavez ran a red light at high speed and collided with another vehicle, killing 58-year-old George Kenneth Ulibarri. Chavez, who was wanted on a felony assault warrant at the time, fled the scene but was later found hiding in a nearby shed and taken into custody. In March 2024, he was sentenced to 30 years in prison as part of a plea agreement following a jury conviction.
Background
Paul Vincent Chavez, 30, was an Amarillo resident wanted by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigation Agents on a felony assault warrant prior to the crash. George Kenneth Ulibarri, 58, also of Amarillo, was the driver of the vehicle struck in the collision.
Incident
On the afternoon of May 26, 2020, at approximately 3:40 p.m., the Amarillo Police Department’s Traffic Unit responded to a major accident at the intersection of SW 46th Avenue and South Parker Street, near Southlawn Park. Chavez, driving a 2004 Toyota Matrix southbound on Parker Street, ran a red light at approximately 70 mph and collided with a 2007 Mercury MKX driven by Ulibarri, which was traveling eastbound.
The impact caused Ulibarri’s vehicle to strike a residence in the 4600 block of South Parker Street. Chavez’s vehicle then hit a utility pole and flipped onto its side. Chavez exited his vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
Investigation and arrest
DPS Criminal Investigation Agents, who had been searching for Chavez on the felony assault warrant, located him hiding in a shed near the crash scene and took him into custody. Chavez was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Ulibarri was pronounced dead at the scene. Randall County Justice of the Peace Clay Houdashell ordered an autopsy. Chavez was subsequently booked into the Randall County Jail and charged in connection with the felony warrant, murder, and accident causing death.
Trial and sentencing
Chavez was tried in Randall County on a charge of murder. A jury found him guilty of murder. Chavez initially elected to have the jury determine his sentence but later rescinded that decision. He entered a plea agreement with prosecutors, pleaded guilty to murder, waived his right to appeal, and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Timeline
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May 26, 2020 (≈3:40 p.m.) – Chavez runs red light at SW 46th and Parker, causing fatal collision; Ulibarri pronounced dead at scene; Chavez flees.
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May 26–27, 2020 – Chavez located hiding in nearby shed; arrested and charged with felony warrant, murder, and accident causing death; booked into Randall County Jail.
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March 2024 – Chavez found guilty by jury; pleads guilty to murder as part of plea agreement; sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment.
URL: https://www.newschannel10.com/2024/03/07/man-sentenced-30-years-fatal-2020-wreck/
URL: https://www.schoolerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/georgekenneth-ulibarri