Man gets 18-year prison term in fatal DWI crash

Carlton Jenkins, 24, drove car that killed UTSA student, paralyzed passenger

SAN ANTONIO – A 24-year-old man was sentenced Monday to 18 years in prison for a drunk driving crash that killed a UTSA student and left the defendant's passenger paralyzed.

Carlton Jenkins was found guilty on charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault.

Recommended Videos



According to prosecutors, Jenkins was speeding at about 100 mph at around 1 a.m. on Feb. 16, 2014, when he slammed into Brandon Guzman's car, which was stopped at a traffic light at Loop 1604 and West Hausman. Guzman, 21, was killed on impact.

Joanna Avalos, a passenger in Jenkins' car, was left paralyzed from the waist down. Jenkins sustained minor injuries.

Jenkins had a blood alcohol level of .20, more than twice the legal limit, prosecutors said. 

District Court Judge Mary Roman ruled that Jenkins' car was considered a deadly weapon. Roman sentenced Jenkins 18 years for Guzman's death and 10 years for causing Avalos' injuries. The sentences will be served concurrently.

Jenkins will be required to serve half of his 18-year sentence before he is eligible for parole.

Editor's Note: KSAT 12 intern Selina Nadeau contributed to this article.


About the Author:

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.