EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Nearly two years after a deadly DWI crash in East El Paso killed an engaged couple, a Fort Bliss soldier has pleaded guilty in the case.<\/p>\n
Court records show 23-year-old Juan Francisco Del Valle Ferrer pleaded guilty last Wednesday to two counts of intoxication manslaughter. <\/p>\n
Investigators say Del Valle Ferrer had been drinking before the crash in East El Paso, which killed 28-year-old Dalia Olivas and her fianc\u00e9, 29-year-old Rick Ballard.<\/p>\n
As KFOX14\/CBS4 previously reported, the crash happened on Saturday, Nov 2, 2024, at the intersection of Rojas and Eastlake at around 11:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
When deputies arrived, they saw a black Mercedes with Florida license plates against the center median of the road and a grey Honda HR-V.<\/p>\n
According to an affidavit previously obtained by KFOX14\/CBS4, a witness told deputies that Del Valle Ferrer, driving the Honda, blew past a red light on Rojas Drive, crashing into the driver’s side of the Mercedes.<\/p>\n
As a result of the impact, the Mercedes reportedly spun before crashing into a light pole.<\/p>\n
Ballard was ejected from the Mercedes and died on the scene.<\/p>\n
While Olivas was rushed to the hospital, she later died from her injuries not too long after.<\/p>\n
Responding deputies smelled an odor of alcohol emitting from Del Valle Ferrer. When the emergency responders asked Del Valle Ferrer how much he had to drink, he responded, “a lot” prior to passing out.<\/p>\n
Del Valle Ferrer, who was assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, was then arrested and charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter.<\/p>\n
Following the deadly crash, the family of Olivas, who was an El Paso high school teacher, filed a civil lawsuit against Del Valle Ferrer in November 2024 for more than $1,000,000 for wrongful death and survival damages, which include pain and mental anguish, as well as medical, funeral, and burial expenses.<\/p>\n
It is unclear if that lawsuit remains active or if any action has been taken. <\/p>\n
Since pleading guilty last week, Del Valle Ferrer is expected to be sentenced next Wednesday, May 13. <\/p>\n
RELATED: Fort Bliss soldier charged in deadly El Paso DWI crash that killed engaged couple<\/a><\/p>\n RELATED: Family of El Paso couple killed by alleged drunk driver sues for over $1 million<\/a><\/p>\n