HOUSTON – A woman who authorities say killed a Harris County deputy in a crash Wednesday morning was wheeled into court Thursday to face a judge. Investigators believe Kelly Jo Ivey, 29, was under the influence when she caused the crash that killed Deputy Jesse Valdez III.
The fatal crash happened at East Wallisville Road and Oleander in Highlands. Valdez was traveling eastbound on East Wallisville Road when Ivey, who was driving an SUV westbound, crossed into the eastbound lane of traffic, hitting his vehicle head-on.
Valdez's vehicle spun counter-clockwise into a roadside drainage ditch, and Ivey's vehicle spun into the center of the intersection.
Emergency medical services personnel extricated the 32-year-old deputy from the vehicle and airlifted him to Memorial Hermann Trauma Center. He was pronounced dead at 1 a.m. Valdez became the 40th HCSO employee to die in the line of duty in the 177-year history of the agency.
A male passenger in Ivey's vehicle was treated at the scene. Ivey was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. She suffered broken bones, and was rolled into court Thursday in a wheelchair to hear her charges.
Prosecutors say Ivey was at Walmart and a friend's house just before the crash. Authorities said they found drugs in her car and clothes.
Ivey was charged with possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine. More charges are possible.
"There are several different possibilities depending on what the experts tell us from the toxicology coming back and [when] the investigation is complete," said Alison Baimbridge, prosecutor. "The highest and most appropriate charge with the facts that we have right now is intoxication manslaughter on a peace officer."
"She is very sad and in a state of shock right now," said Shannon Baldwin, Ivey's attorney.
Ivey's passenger, Casey Byfield, has also been charged with possession of a controlled substance, but he has not been taken into custody. He also has a criminal history, ranging from assault to theft.
Ivey's next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 25.
Ivey is no stranger to the law. Her arrest record includes theft, forgery and possession.
Authorities say she was released from a Texas prison earlier this month after serving part of a two-year sentence for a previous methamphetamine case.
In March, Ivey pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance and agreed to the two-year sentence, according to court records. She was released on parole on Oct. 2.
"We will never forget his service. We will never forget his sacrifice," Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia said about Valdez at a news conference on Wednesday.
Valdez was an 11-year veteran assigned to the patrol bureau. He was a single father with a 10-year-old son.
Valdez worked the night shift at the department's Third District with friends who included Deputy Bob Goerlitz.
"He was a standup guy," said Goerlitz. "I feel horrible. I'm missing a friend."
Goerlitz, who is president of the Harris County Deputies Organization, had known Valdez since early in his career when he worked in the department's booking office. He says Valdez understood the dangers of the job, but never talked about them.
"You always go to work every day saying, 'It's not going to happen to me today.' You can't survive in this business any other way," he said.
As a patrolman in 2013, Valdez was commended for helping save the life of a man who had been overcome by heavy smoke in a house fire.
Donations are being accepted to The 100 Club Survivors Fund, which provides benefits to the dependents of firefighters and law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty.
Contributions are being accepted at:
100 Club Survivors Fund
5555 San Felipe- Suite 1750
Houston, Texas 77056
Donations can also be made online at The 100 Club website.