Woman sentenced to 15 years in prison for DWI crash that killed couple, injured 4 children Elena Mae Carranza was charged with intoxication manslaughter in connection with January 2021 crash in Helotes
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman was sentenced to prison Thursday in connection with a DWI crash that killed a couple and injured their four children.
A judge sentenced Elena Mae Carranza to 15 years in prison on two charges of intoxication manslaughter, but instead of serving 30 years, the sentences will run at the same time.
According to Helotes police, Carranza was driving a 2008 Toyota Tundra that was traveling northbound on Highway 16 on January 2021, when she crashed into a 2016 Kia Sedona.
Craig Smith, 54, and Susan Smith, 39, were killed in the crash, police said. Their four children, ranging in age from 6 to 16, were injured.
Data from Carranza’s Tundra showed that she was traveling 79 mph a second before impact, police said. The posted speed limit in that area is 45 mph.
Carranza, who was 20 years old at the time of the fatality, had a blood-alcohol content level at 0.12, police said.
Also on KSAT.com: Copyright 2023 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
About the Authors Rebecca Salinas headshot
Rebecca Salinas is the Digital Executive Producer at KSAT 12 News. A San Antonio native, Rebecca is an award-winning journalist who joined KSAT in 2019.
Erica Hernandez headshot
Erica Hernandez is an Emmy award-winning journalist with 15 years of experience in the broadcast news business. Erica has covered a wide array of stories all over Central and South Texas. She's currently the court reporter and cohost of the podcast Texas Crime Stories.
Krampus parade returns for 2nd year to haunt downtown San Antonio ▶ 0:45
Krampus parade returns for 2nd year to haunt downtown San Antonio
Human remains found on east Bexar County property, sheriff says ▶ 1:03
Human remains found on east Bexar County property, sheriff says
Kerrville Police Department releases 911 calls from July 4 floods ▶ 2:46
Kerrville Police Department releases 911 calls from July 4 floods
Police: Suicide note, self-harm behavior uncovered amid investigation of Texas A&M student’s death ▶ 1:34
Police: Suicide note, self-harm behavior uncovered amid investigation of Texas A&M student’s death
Teen charged in brother’s shooting to remain in detention after violating release terms ▶ 0:44
Teen charged in brother’s shooting to remain in detention after violating release terms
Check out these space heater safety tips ▶ 1:22
Check out these space heater safety tips
Here’s what the KSAT newsroom listened to in 2025 ▶ 0:56
Here’s what the KSAT newsroom listened to in 2025
Have a child on social media? Here is how to monitor what they are up to ▶ 1:04
Have a child on social media? Here is how to monitor what they are up to
'KPop Demon Hunters' Creator Answers Fans’ Burning Questions ▶ 1:38
'KPop Demon Hunters' Creator Answers Fans’ Burning Questions
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run ▶ 0:32
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio ▶ 1:26
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio
The Running Event kicks off downtown ahead of inaugural San Antonio Marathon_Trim ▶ 1:03
The Running Event kicks off downtown ahead of inaugural San Antonio Marathon_Trim
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community ▶ 1:52
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road ▶ 0:57
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest ▶ 1:03
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest
Road closures to be aware of during the San Antonio Marathon ▶ 1:55
Road closures to be aware of during the San Antonio Marathon
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin ▶ 2:07
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing? ▶ 2:20
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing?
Harlandale ISD teacher arrested, accused of sexual assault of child, SAPD says ▶ 1:05
Harlandale ISD teacher arrested, accused of sexual assault of child, SAPD says
Mother questions circumstances surrounding death of daughter, a Texas A&M student, in Austin ▶ 1:03
Mother questions circumstances surrounding death of daughter, a Texas A&M student, in Austin
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request ▶ 1:13
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID ▶ 0:35
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID
Some UTSA students forced to move dorm rooms as school complies with state’s ‘bathroom bill’ ▶ 1:08
Some UTSA students forced to move dorm rooms as school complies with state’s ‘bathroom bill’
How to share your San Antonio Marathon pics & videos to KSAT Connect ▶ 0:29
How to share your San Antonio Marathon pics & videos to KSAT Connect
How Black Friday can make the economy seem healthier than it is ▶ 1:18
How Black Friday can make the economy seem healthier than it is
Previous photo Next photo