In a recent legal case, Charles Moore has been found guilty of DWI felony murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The incident occurred on April 26, 2021, as the sun was setting in Balch Springs. Jose Vazquez, accompanied by his wife Sarah and two children, was riding bicycles near their home. Moore, driving his pickup truck while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of 0.182, struck Jose and then Sarah from behind. Jose died at the scene, and Sarah sustained serious injuries, still affecting her nearly three years later.
Moore, with two prior DWI convictions from the 1990s and an Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon charge, argued that the victims were at fault for riding on the roadway at night without proper visibility measures. However, Investigator Ron Cathcart's analysis of the scene, including photos taken during a similar time of day and lighting conditions, played a crucial role in proving Moore's guilt. Judge Stephens convicted Moore of both felony murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Due to Moore's age and potential memory issues, Judge Stephens ordered an evaluation before sentencing. However, during the delay, Moore's trial attorney passed away. Following the sentencing hearing, where Judge Stephens imposed a 20-year sentence on both counts, the Vazquez family expressed satisfaction with the outcome. Charles Moore is now declared guilty and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
