Joshua Williams, 17, former star linebacker and running-back for the Palestine High School Wildcats, was arrested Tuesday and charged with criminally negligent homicide. The arrest stems from a Feb. 3 motor vehicle accident in Freestone County that killed two people.
If convicted, Williams faces six months to two years in a state jail, without possibility of parole. He also faces a fine of up to $10,000.
According to Maxpreps, a website that specializes in the coverage of high school sports, Williams was credited with 88 tackles and a 51 yard touchdown run during the 2017 season alone.
Police reports state that Williams was driving a 2001 Cadillac Deville, traveling west on US 84. While attempting to pass in a no-passing zone, Williams struck an eastbound 2017 Chevy Cruze.
The passengers in the Chevy: Charlene Wallace, 62, of Meridian; and Dwayne McCain, 38, of Plano, died at the scene. The the only survivor in the eastbound vehicle, driver William Wallace, 62, of Meridian, was also injured.
Waco Department of Public Safety officials reported that all occupants of the Chevrolet Cruze wore safety-belts.
Riding in the Cadillac with Williams were passengers Daroddrick Williams, 18; Jalen Perry, 16; Makel Levy, 18; and Dennis Smith, Jr., 17 – all of Palestine.
All passengers in the Cadillac were injured in the collision. They were treated at the scene and at area hospitals. DPS reported that no one in Williams’ vehicle was wearing a safety-belt.
Texas penal code states that criminally negligent homicide, a felony, is an act in which a person causes the death of another by criminal negligence.
Williams was transported to Anderson County Jail Tuesday. He is awaiting transport to Freestone County Jail, where his bond has been set at $10,000.