by | Published
KENDALL COUNTY, Texas — A Helotes man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to intoxication manslaughter in connection with a 2025 crash that killed two people.
On March 30, 2026, 57-year-old Robert Delmon Gray entered a guilty plea and, under a plea agreement, received a 30-year prison sentence. Authorities said the punishment exceeded the typical maximum for a second-degree felony due to a prior felony conviction used to enhance the sentencing range. Gray will be required to serve at least half of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
The charges stem from a two-vehicle collision that occurred on January 5, 2025, at approximately 3:35 p.m. along State Highway 46 West near mile marker 478 in Kendall County.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety investigation, Gray was driving a white 2006 Ford F-750 septic tank truck eastbound when he failed to maintain his lane on a curve marked with a 35 mph advisory speed. Investigators said Gray crossed the double yellow lines into the westbound lane and collided head-on with a black 2017 Mazda CX-5.
The impact forced the Mazda off the roadway, where it became fully engulfed in flames. Gray’s truck continued off the road without apparent braking, crashed through a fence, and came to rest after striking a tree.
The crash killed both occupants of the Mazda. The driver, Phillip “Mickey” Pena, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, Marcia Kay Larochelle, was transported to a San Antonio hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
First responders reported Gray appeared disoriented and impaired at the scene. Investigators later determined he was intoxicated by methamphetamine as well as Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC. Authorities concluded his intoxication directly caused the crash.
“This tragedy was entirely preventable,” officials said. “We will continue to fight tirelessly to ensure that individuals who choose to get behind the wheel under the influence face severe and lasting consequences.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Alessandra Deike and Derly Chapa, with assistance from investigators and victim services personnel.
