In a recent court decision, 71-year-old Sylvia Ann Lopez was sentenced to ten years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for Intoxication Manslaughter in connection with the death of 78-year-old Irma Lozano. The sentencing occurred in the 379th District Court of Bexar County.

Lopez, a former LVN with no prior criminal history, faced a penalty ranging from probation to 20 years in prison with a fine of up to $10,000 for the offense. The incident occurred on May 11, 2022, around 10:30 am when Lopez's vehicle veered off the roadway, striking and fatally injuring Irma Lozano, who was walking her dogs on the sidewalk in her neighborhood.

Following the collision, Lopez's vehicle continued until it collided with a nearby tree, requiring her extraction from the vehicle. Lopez admitted to having taken several medications that left her disoriented and drowsy. While subsequent testing revealed no alcohol in her system, it did detect several prescription medications, one of which exceeded the therapeutic range.

The case was assigned to the District Attorney's Felony Criminal Trial Division, and Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales commented on the tragic incident, stating, "This is a tragic case which reminds us that decisions have consequences. Any time we get behind the wheel of an automobile, it is our obligation to make sure that we are fully competent to drive."