A Hays County jury has imposed a 15-year sentence on Royce Robison, 26, for intoxication manslaughter, the Hays County Criminal District Attorney's office announced. Robison was found guilty of causing a deadly crash while under the influence, which resulted in the death of 58-year-old Crisanta Cazares and serious injury to her family. According to Hays County official reports, he will also serve a concurrent 10-year sentence for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The sentencing follows Robison's conviction for the December 2022 incident in which he ran a stop sign and "T-boned" a turning vehicle at an excessive speed. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence, including video surveillance, dispelling Robison's attempt to wrongfully blame the accident on an innocent passenger. Evidence from the scene had Robison admitting to driving his truck and being responsible for the collision. Cassidy Story, an assistant criminal district attorney involved in the case, praised the jury's decision to honor "Crisanta’s life with their sentence," in a statement released by the Hays County DA's office.
In response to the guilty verdict, the prosecution brought forward Robison's previous arrest for public intoxication and testimony from Cazares' bereaved family members. The victim was commemorated for her laughter, generosity, and her cherished roles as a mother, sister, and grandmother.
The San Marcos Police Department led the investigation into the fatal accident, with the prosecution team comprising Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Cassidy Story and Jessica Rabena, supported by attorneys and an investigative sergeant. The DA's office sought to recognize the patience and faith of Cazares’ family in the justice system, expressing their wish for the sentence to serve as a powerful reminder to the community to never take the wheel while impaired.
