More than $1 million sought in civil suit
Defendant also faces intoxication manslaughter charges in traffic fatality
NEW BOSTON, Texas — The mother of a man who died a few weeks after suffering serious injuries in a car crash earlier this year is suing the driver who was allegedly drunk when he caused the wreck.
Gloria Haynes filed suit in Bowie County last week against Kendrick Sauls in connection with the death of her son, 37-year-old Mario Haynes. Sauls is being held in the Bowie County jail on criminal charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault in connection with the May 1 crash in
Texarkana, Texas, that led to Mario Haynes’ death.
Sauls, 21, was allegedly speeding and driving erratically moments before he disregarded a red light at Summerhill and New Boston roads at about 8:30 p.m., according to a probable cause affidavit. Sauls’ gray 2008 Dodge Ram truck struck a blue 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, causing airbags to deploy in both as well as significant damage.
Mario Haynes was a passenger in the Hyundai.
The driver of the Santa Fe and her 5-month-old infant son were transported to CHRISTUS St. Michael hospital for treatment. The driver, 29, suffered a broken neck, a broken left wrist, a broken right hand, a broken collar bone, a fractured skull, a lacerated liver and broken ribs. The baby suffered minor scrapes and scratches from flying glass and debris.
Mario Haynes suffered more serious injuries and was taken to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences hospital after initial treatment at Wadley Regional Medical Center in Texarkana. Mario Haynes suffered severe brain bleeding, facial fractures and a skull fracture. He died of his injuries June 26. Gloria Haynes filed suit on behalf of herself, her son’s estate and as next friend of Mario Haynes’ only child. The complaint seeks damages in excess of $1 million. In addition to the losses suffered by Haynes’ surviving family members, the complaint seeks recompense for the pain and suffering experienced by Mario Haynes prior to his death, as well as medical and funeral expenses.
The plaintiffs are represented by the Dallas-based Grossman law firm. Sauls has not responded to the complaint. The case is assigned to 202nd District Judge John Tidwell.
Sauls’ criminal case is assigned to 5th District Judge Bill Miller. The criminal case is scheduled for jury selection May 18 at the Bowie County courthouse in New Boston.
Sauls faces two to 20 years if convicted of intoxication manslaughter. If found guilty of intoxication assault he faces two to 10 years.
Sauls is being held in the Bowie County jail with bail set at $300,000.