Amarillo Man Convicted for Fatal Crash That Killed Family of 5

Amarillo, Texas is a big little city and when a large tragedy strikes it is felt throughout the community. Especially a tragedy that could have been prevented.

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On December 22, 2021, a family of 5 got into their vehicle and did what most families do during that time of year, drive around and look at Christmas lights.   What started as an evening of Christmas cheer ended in tragedy.

Read More: Amarillo Man Charged for the Death of 5 People

A Chevy 2500 driven by Larry Rolen hit their Nissan Altima head-on.  Rolen had been traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of St. Francis.  Four of the five people in the Altima died, with the 5th occupant dying on Christmas Eve from injuries sustained in the crash.   The family members that died in the crash were 23-year-old Andrea Aguirre, 46-year-old Angelica Colin, 88-year-old Raul Colin, 85-year-old Teresa Colin, and 35-year-old Raul Perez Colin.

Read More: Timeline of Events

At the time,  the driver of the Chevy Larry Rolen was arrested and charged with four counts of intoxicated manslaughter and one count of intoxicated assault.  After the death, of the 5th family member Rolen was charged with five counts of intoxicated manslaughter.   On July 5, 2022, Rolen was indicted on five counts of intoxicated manslaughter.

What Happened at the Trial?

On September 26, 2023, the trial began, and after 8.5 hours of jury deliberation, the jury returned with no verdict resulting in a hung jury.

A new trial date was set for March 18, 2024.  At the end of the trial, on March 21st, the jury returned a guilty verdict on all 5 counts and determined that the vehicle was used as a deadly weapon.   Rolen was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Although Rolen was convicted and justice was served, five innocent people left their homes to enjoy Christmas lights on December 22 2021 and never returned home.