Driver with Long Criminal Record Arrested After Crash That Killed Five Women

Five women — Thalia Salinas, Ruby Cruz, Brianna Valadez, Desiree Cervantezz, and Jacqueline Velazco — had gone out that night to celebrate Thalia’s 23rd birthday. They were traveling in a Mercedes SUV on the freeway when tragedy struck.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety:

“A Dodge Ram 4500 pulling a horse trailer swerved into oncoming traffic on U.S. 281 in Burnet County. Investigators say the truck hit a Chevrolet Malibu head-on, then slammed into the Mercedes-Benz SUV carrying the five women. Their SUV overturned and caught on fire.”

All five women were killed in the crash. A GoFundMe was created by Thalia’s family, which stated

“This sudden and unimaginable loss has left our family completely devastated and many friends in mourning. Faced with so much pain, we turn to our family, friends, and acquaintances for support. The emotional and financial burden is immense, and any help — no matter how small — can make a huge difference.”

Thalia’s family had been driving right behind her on the way to Kingsland, Texas — her favorite place on the lake. On their GPS, they appeared to be about 45 minutes behind Thalia and her friends. Brianna’s loved ones shared,

“We will carry Bri’s light with us always, and we will keep telling her story — because she deserves to be remembered for how brightly she lived.”

Jacqueline’s sister also wrote on GoFundMe,

“She was a light in our lives: loving, strong, fun, and full of grace. Her soul was truly beautiful, and to know her was to love her deeply.”

Desiree’s family added,

“Desiree brought warmth, light, and kindness to everyone she encountered. Her shy, dimply smile was genuine, her heart was sincere, and she had a quiet strength that made a lasting impression on so many of us. For those who knew her closely, you know how deeply she cared about all her loved ones, strangers, and even animals.”

In an interview with WFAA, Thalia’s younger brother, Kaleb Salinas, spoke about the last time he saw his sister and her friends

“I was goofing around with all five of them, and they were just so happy. I gave each one of them their last hug, and I truly… I’m glad I did.”

Thalia’s older brother also shared

“I told her I loved her and she told me she loved me too… and that was it, that was the last word. Those were the last words that came out of my mouth, that I loved.”

He recalled the times Thalia and her friends would visit their home

“Just an awesome, awesome person, very funny, very goofy, loved having a blast. Her favorite things to do were to go to the beach, go to the lake, anything water. All five of them are regularly at her house… just watching videos, listening to music, a bunch of random laughter very loud through the walls here.”

The driver responsible for the crash was identified as 37-year-old Kody Talley, who had a lengthy criminal record including 23 DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charges, drug charges, and a charge of family violence. On the day of the crash, Talley was not tested for drugs or alcohol before being released from the scene — despite his extensive record. He was allowed to leave after refusing medical attention and declining to submit to a drug and alcohol test.

It wasn’t until days later that he was arrested on five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and five counts of manslaughter. Kaleb, Thalia’s younger brother, expressed his disbelief

“We’re just extremely devastated. I’m also confused on why they would just let him leave. There’s no words to describe that.”

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