Update (January 29, 2025): Authorities have identified the woman killed in this crash as Ronda Ellen Duke, 46. The driver has been charged with murder and evading arrest.

San Antonio, TX — January 14, 2025, one person was killed in a car accident at about 12:15 a.m. in the 900 block of West Pyron Avenue.

Authorities said undercover detectives were watching a person suspected of drug possession when the man tried to flee. His car crashed into several trash cans and a concrete guard rail before hitting a woman on the sidewalk near Noble Avenue.

The woman, whose name has not been made public at this point, died at the scene, according to authorities, while the suspect was caught a few blocks away.

The 19-year-old man has been charged with murder and evading arrest, authorities said.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

The fatal crash on Pyron Avenue in San Antonio, where a fleeing suspect’s car struck and killed a woman on the sidewalk, is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when someone chooses to evade law enforcement. While the suspect has been apprehended and charged, there are still critical questions that must be addressed to fully understand the circumstances of this crash.

This incident involved multiple collisions before the vehicle struck the woman on the sidewalk, and each aspect of the crash must be carefully analyzed. Investigators should examine the car's path, including any evidence of sudden maneuvers or loss of control. Were skid marks or debris patterns documented to reconstruct how the vehicle moved through the area? Additionally, understanding the conditions of the roadway, lighting and visibility at the time of the crash is crucial to providing a complete picture of the events leading up to the collision.

The suspect’s vehicle likely contains an engine control module (ECM) that could provide valuable data about speed, braking activity and steering inputs leading up to the crash. This information can clarify whether the car was operating as expected or if the driver took evasive action. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras may shed light on how the suspect’s vehicle navigated the area and struck the pedestrian. Examining the suspect’s cell phone records could also help determine whether distraction or other factors influenced the driver’s actions during the pursuit.

While this crash has led to serious criminal charges, it’s essential that all aspects of the incident are thoroughly investigated to ensure that the affected family receives a complete understanding of what happened.