Woman pleads guilty to killing bicyclist while driving drunk as trial was to begin

SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman charged with intoxication manslaughter pleaded guilty just as her trial was to begin.

Samantha Castillo is accused of speeding in the 1400 block of St. Mary’s Street in April 2021, when her vehicle hit a curb and hit an avid bicyclist.

Beatrice Gonzalez, 47, was leading a group of cyclists when she was hit was killed.

A jury was seated for the trial on Tuesday. But Castillo pleaded guilty before opening statements were set to begin.

Despite the guilty plea, jurors must still hear all the facts of the case before they can decide Castillo’s punishment.

The punishment range is probation to a maximum of 20 years in prison.