Medical Examiner describes crash victim’s multiple injuries

Rita Barbara Martinez killed by accused drunk driver

SAN ANTONIO – The testimony was graphic and clinical Thursday as the deputy Bexar County medical examiner detailed the injuries Rita Barbara Martinez, 60, suffered when the car she was driving was struck broadside by a speeding car in the early morning hours of May 7, 2017.

Dr. Jennifer Roulon testified during the intoxication manslaughter trial of Denys Martinez, 29.

The defendant and victim are not related.

According to earlier testimony, Denys Martinez was travelling at a speed estimated at between 102 and 108 mph when he crashed into the woman's sedan as she was turning left from Evers Road onto Bandera Road.

His blood alcohol level was 0.18, which is twice over the legal limit.

“The neck was fractured in two places,” Roulon said during testimony as she described the woman’s injuries.

The crash broke almost every bone in her body.

"All of her ribs on both sides -- there's 12 ribs on each side -- they were all fractured in multiple locations. So each rib, not only was it fractured once, but it was fractured in many places," Roulon told the jury.

Both of the victim's arms and legs also suffered multiple fractures and she had severe head and brain injuries.

Closing arguments and jury deliberations are expected Friday morning in Judge Jennifer Pena's 290th District Court.

If he is convicted, Martinez could face a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison.


About the Author

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.

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