Fatal DWI: Houston Man Gets 40 Years Prison

Houston Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Double-Fatal Drunk Driving Crash in Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – A Houston man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for a 2023 double-fatal drunk driving crash that resulted in the deaths of a young couple on I-45 North. David Andrew Paul received the sentence on June 18, 2024, after being found responsible for the tragic incident that occurred in Montgomery County.

The crash took place on February 16, 2023, around 2:00 AM, on I-45 North near the Research Forest Drive exit. Paul, driving a 2017 Dodge Charger, was reportedly traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. Authorities also determined his blood alcohol content (BAC) was .161, more than twice the legal limit in Texas.

Paul’s vehicle collided with a 2018 Honda Civic occupied by 28-year-old Jose Hernandez and 26-year-old Angelica Hernandez. Jose Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene. Angelica Hernandez tragically succumbed to her injuries later at the hospital.

During sentencing, Judge Phil Grant imposed 40-year sentences for each count of intoxication manslaughter and an additional 20 years for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. These sentences will run concurrently, meaning Paul faces an effective 40 years behind bars. He will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least half of his sentence, which amounts to 20 years.

This was not Paul’s first conviction related to impaired driving; he had a previous DWI conviction from Harris County in 2015.

Assistant District Attorneys D. Todd Hopwood and Katie Matt prosecuted the case. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) conducted the investigation into the fatal crash. Victims’ families provided emotional testimony during the sentencing hearing.