DWI Victims

On September 27, 2006 at about 10:20 pm, Todd Levin was on his way home from an evening out with his girlfriend. Todd was driving north on S. Shepherd and entered the intersection with a green light. At the same time, My Van Nguyen was driving a 2002 Mercedes west on Westheimer at a speed of approximately 84 mph. The speed limit on Westheimer is 30 mph. My Nguyen ran a red light at the intersection of Westheiemer and S. Shepherd and hit the passenger side of Todd’s Pontiac Firebird causing both vehicles to go airborne. Todd’s car came to a stop after hitting a telephone pole. He was killed instantly. Todd’s girlfriend died at the hospital a short time later of massive injuries sustained in the collision. My Nguyen had minor injuries and was transported to the hospital.

My Nguyen claimed that he had 3-4 screwdrivers between 6:00pm and 9:00 pm. Officers observed that he had a distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath and bloodshot glassy eyes. Officers requested a blood specimen for Nguyen while at the hospital. He refused. Officers had a Mandatory Specimen taken and the result was .11.

Nguyen was convicted of two counts of Intoxication Manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison for each.

Todd Levin was not out partying. He was not drinking. He was just on his way home. He leaves behind a family and friends that will never understand why he had to he taken away so soon.

On October 21, 2004 at about 2:45 am, Tanner Rist was on the way home with friends after a night out. They were driving west on the Katy Freeway just outside the West Loop and Tanner was in the backseat of a 2001 Chevy SUV. Close to the same time, Giang Tran was entering the Katy Freeway near Gessner driving east. She was in the westbound lanes driving the wrong way. People in the eastbound lanes saw her and called 911 to get the police to try to stop her before anything happened. It was too late. As the vehicle Tanner was riding in crested an overpass near 7700 Katy Fwy, they met Giang Tran head on at freeway speeds. Tanner suffered a broken neck and spinal injuries. Giang Tran had a cut on her arm.

Giang Tran gave a voluntary blood specimen after being transported to the hospital. Her BAC was .18.

Giang Tran was convicted of Intoxication Assault and sentenced to 180 days in jail and 10 years probation.

Tanner Rist will spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.