Texas Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Crash That Killed Musician Laura Lynch

Driver Sentenced in Fatal Hudspeth County Collision

Domenick Chavez, 33, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with a head-on collision in western Texas that killed Laura Lynch on December 22, 2023.

The El Paso District Attorney's Office announced that Chavez admitted, as part of a plea agreement, that he was driving recklessly and caused the crash that resulted in Lynch's death. The sentencing followed his decision to plead guilty rather than go to trial.

Details of the Crash

The collision occurred on an undivided highway in Hudspeth County, about 50 miles east of El Paso, at around 5:45 p.m. local time. Authorities reported that it was a cloudy day and the road was dry at the time of the incident.

According to the El Paso District Attorney's Office and authorities, Laura Lynch, 65, was driving a 2016 Ford F-150 eastbound when she was struck head-on by a 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Chavez. Investigators said Chavez attempted to pass four vehicles at the same time when his truck collided with Lynch's vehicle.

Lynch was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities stated that she was killed instantly as a result of the impact. The other truck caught fire, and Chavez was injured and hospitalized following the crash.

Investigation Findings and Driving History

Accident-reconstruction investigators determined that Chavez was driving between 106 and 114 miles per hour at the time of the wreck, according to the district attorney's office. Authorities also reported that alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

The El Paso District Attorney's Office said Chavez was driving on a suspended license. His license had been revoked for failing to comply with penalties related to driving while intoxicated convictions in 2014 and 2017 in El Paso County.

Plea Agreement and Potential Punishment

Chavez's attorney, Manuel Parra, stated that Chavez decided to plead guilty because he faced a possible punishment of five to 99 years in prison if the case had gone to trial. In connection with the plea agreement, Chavez received a 15-year prison sentence.

Victim’s Background

Laura Lynch was a founding member of the Dixie Chicks, a country music band formed in 1989. She was one of four founding members, along with Martie Maguire, Emily Strayer (then using the family name Erwin), and Robin Lynn Macy.

Lynch played upright bass and later became the lead singer of the band. She and the group recorded three albums: "Thank Heavens for Dale Evans" in 1990, "Little Ol’ Cowgirl" in 1992, and "Shouldn’t a Told You That" in 1993. She left the Dixie Chicks in 1995 and was later replaced by Natalie Maines.

Lynch was a graduate of Coronado High School in El Paso. She divided her time between Fort Worth and Dell City in Hudspeth County, where she maintained rental properties and advocated for her hometown.

Official Response

The El Paso District Attorney's Office stated that Lynch's death caused profound sadness for her family, the Dell City community, and those who appreciated her music. The office also said it will continue to hold accountable defendants who choose to drive in an extremely dangerous manner.