Suspect in crash that killed 4 family members not charged, still undergoing medical treatment a year later

EDINBURG, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — A suspected drunk driver accused of killing four family members in a crash in Edinburg has yet to be charged as he is still undergoing medical treatment a year later.

Sheng Jiang, was identified by Edinburg police as the suspect in a deadly crash last July that claimed the lives of 50-year-old Luz Aurora Casado, her mother 68-year-old Maria Guadalupe Zavala Casado, her 2-year-old granddaughter Elleiana Santoy and her 10-year-old niece Shailey Rachel Martinez.

At 9:14 p.m. July 24, 2023, officers responded to a head-on collision at the 2200 block of S. Jackson Road in Edinburg. An investigation revealed that a black truck, driven by Jiang, veered into the southbound lane and collided with a gray minivan that was occupied by the family.

At the time, police described Jiang as being in critical condition, but noted that he would be facing charges. As of July of 2024, Jiang has not been charged, and ValleyCentral spoke with Hidalgo County District Attorney Toribio “Terry” Palacios for an explanation.

According to Palacios, Jiang was not arrested immediately because it was not known whether he was going to survive.

“He has survived, he is bed ridden,” Palacios said. “I believe he still cannot feed himself and he’s still going through doctor’s care. We checked on him last week. He’s still at a nursing home and still getting treatment.”

Palacios added that Jiang had complications and needs 24/7 medical care, and the county jail does not have the facilities to take him on yet. Palacios noted that there is a three-year statute of limitations, but they intend to prosecute him.

“I know the victim’s family wants justice, and we are trying to get them justice,” Palacios said. “It’s just a unique situation.”

Until then, Palacios said they know exactly where Jiang is and will continue to keep tabs on him until he is medically released.

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