Mother Killed, 10-Year-Old Son Critically Hurt In Garland Crash During Police Chase

Garland Police said a man ran a red light before fleeing a traffic check, killing Karla Rico, a 28-year-old mother, on Monday, September 6.

Relatives claimed that Rico's 10-year-old son, Matthew, is in critical condition and was admitted to the intensive care unit.

Their dog also died at the accident scene.

CBSDFW said the incident occurred shortly after 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Garland Avenue and Miller Road in Garland. According to Garland Police, the incident began with a traffic stop of a black Honda Accord.

Rico was killed while driving through an intersection in Garland on Labor Day, officers said.

Furthermore, Garland Police Lt. Pedro Barineau reported that the officer saw signs of narcotics inside the vehicle upon initial contact. The driver of the vehicle, however, raced off at a fast rate of speed. At the same time, the officer waited for his backup to arrive to conduct a further examination on the vehicle.

According to Garland Police, Bobby Lee Murphy, 37, of Oklahoma, was the driver of the black Honda Accord. Murphy and his two companions took off.

When Murphy approached Garland Avenue and Miller Road, several officers attempted to stop him. One of the officers also attempted to alert other motorists to the occurrence.

"He looked down the street and he saw this vehicle traveling at such a high rate of speed, he immediately turned on his overhead lights and sirens to alert the drivers to get them to stop from the potential danger that was coming," said Lt. Barineau.

Murphy, according to Garland Police, slammed into Rico and her son in the middle of the intersection. He then lost control of the vehicle, which led in a collision with another vehicle, according to WFAA.

Witnesses claimed they attempted to assist Rico. Joshua Garcia, one of the eyewitnesses, compared what he saw to a "scary" movie. "You're never prepared for anything like this situation," he said.

The incident's third victim sustained minor injuries.

Bobby Lee Murphy, 37, has subsequently been charged with murder and escaping arrest, causing severe bodily injury.

Murphy and his two passengers are still in the hospital. However, the incident is still under investigation, Garland Police said.

Rico's family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to assist them financially following the incident. Karla Rico, a 28-year-old mother, is remembered as a loving wife, mother, and sister and a lovely spirit with a pure heart and a good outlook by her family, friends, and coworkers.