Police – Suspect in Fatal Axtell Crash Had Meth, Alcohol in His System
Police say the man believed responsible for a fatal traffic collision in Axtell Saturday morning had alcohol and methamphetamine in his system at the time of the crash.
McLennan County Jail records indicate 23-year-old Shelby Lee Schroeder of Waco has been charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter, as well as charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, tampering with physical evidence with intent to impede an investigation, and purchasing/furnishing alcohol to a minor. He remained in custody Wednesday morning in lieu of bonds totaling $82,000.
Our partners at News Channel 10 report that Schroeder was driving a GMC SUV with an 18-year-old passenger when he ran a stop sign at the intersection of Stage Highway 31 and FM 2311 around 3 AM Saturday, March 30. His vehicle struck Hyudai sedan carrying Belinda Sanabria, 55, and Matias Mendoza Sanabria, 50, of San Antonio.
Both Matias and Sanabria were killed.
Schroeder's passenger told police Schroeder had used methamphetamine about 20 minutes before the crash and had four beers before getting behind the wheel. The passenger told investigators he and Schroeder threw unopened beers away from the scene of the crash hoping to hide them from police. Several unopened cans and a 30-pack were discovered near the crash site.
Police say Schroeder's blood alcohol level was 0.17 - over twice the legal limit. He was also on probation at the time of the crash, having been indicted for injury to a child in 2017. He'd been ordered to undergo treatment for alcohol abuse, as well as attend parenting classes.