George Alvarez (photo, left), 34, the driver whose car crashed into a group of migrants in Brownsville, Texas, killing 8 and injuring 10, was drunk and had marijuana, cocaine, and benzodiazepines in his system (see story here).
He’s charged with manslaughter, not murder, because police can’t prove he intentionally ran down the victims. As far as they can determine, it was just another drunk driving accident, albeit one with horrific casualties. The charges could be upgraded if police get more information.
They won’t get it from him. Alvarez clammed up. In police jargon, he’s “not cooperating” with the investigations.
Not much of his background is available, but PolitiFact debunked internet rumors that he’s an illegal immigrant; he’s a U.S. citizen (see story here). According to Brownsville police, he has a
rap sheet that includes “aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, assault of a public servant, burglary of a vehicle, assault causing bodily injury, criminal mischief, driving while intoxicated, evading arrest, interference with public duties, possession of marijuana, and theft of property” (see story here).
Enough is enough. Alvarez is a public menace who needs to be off the streets. He has no respect for law or authority, no regard for human life, and is a predator. Whether he’s convicted of murder or manslaughter is academic. A judge should order him locked him up until he dies or is too feeble to hurt anyone.