Dallas man charged with drunken driving, manslaughter following Orange County crash

Published 10:39 am Monday, March 4, 2024

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A Dallas man is charged with driving while intoxicated and manslaughter in connection with Saturday’s fiery crash in Orange County.

The crash involved three vehicles on Interstate 10 at the 856 mile marker.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s investigation, at approximately 5:50 p.m. Saturday, a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, a 2018 Mazda passenger car and a 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 were traveling eastbound.

The Mazda struck the rear of the Chevrolet. After the initial impact, the Chevrolet was struck in the rear again by the GMC, causing the Chevrolet to catch fire.

The driver of the Chevrolet, Bryant Leon, 48, of New Iberia, Louisiana, was taken to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont with suspected serious injuries.

The passenger, Brandy Leon, 45, of Louisiana, was pronounced deceased on the scene by an Orange County Justice of the Peace.

The driver of the GMC was taken to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital with suspected minor injuries.

The driver of the Mazda, Matthew Phoenix, 28, of Dallas, was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated and manslaughter.

Phoenix posted bond and has been released from custody.

This is an ongoing investigation, and there is no additional information available for release at this time, according to DPS.