Army Soldier Pleads Guilty to DUI Manslaughter

A U.S. Army soldier stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas has pled guilty to driving under the influence, and act that resulted in the death of a 19-year-old girl.

Defense attorneys for Edison Bayas, 37, say he is taking full responsibility for the death of Valerie Talamantes, who was killed on impact when he crashed into the rear of her car as she sat waiting at a red light. 

The defense claims Bayas was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder when the crash took place.  Bayas' attorneys also asked the jury to take into account that Bayas has served two tours in Iraq, and that he was having a flashback at the time of the accident.

But District Attorney Jaime Esparza, who is prosecuting the case, urged the jury to protect the safety of the community and send a message.

At the time of the crash, Bayas has a blood alcohol concentration of .27, nearly three times the legal limit, and was traveling no less than 60 miles per hour when he collided with Talamantes.

Bayas stands to face two to twenty years in prison.

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