Texas Woman Accused of Manslaughter in Fatal Crash Blames Designer Shoes
Kristina Chambers, a 34-year-old woman from Texas, has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly driving under the influence and fatally striking Joseph McMullin, 33, on a first date. The incident, which occurred in April 2023, has sparked a legal battle and public debate over the role of alcohol, drug possession, and the potential consequences of luxury items in road accidents.
According to the New York Post, Chambers was found to be four times over the legal alcohol limit following the crash, which occurred near a Houston Voodoo Doughnut shop where she had been bar-hopping with friends. Prosecutors allege that she was also in possession of small baggies of cocaine at the time of the incident, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. These findings have led to the criminal charges of manslaughter being brought against her.
Chambers’ defense, however, has taken a unique approach by attributing the crash to the physical configuration of her footwear. Mark Thiessen, her attorney, has argued that her Christian Louboutin heels became wedged on the gas pedal of her blue Porsche as she navigated one of Houston’s most dangerous curves. This claim suggests that the design of the shoes may have been a contributing factor in the accident, although this has been met with skepticism from the prosecution. Andrew Figliuzzi, the prosecutor, has countered by emphasizing that Chambers was ‘itching to show off her sports car’ while intoxicated, implying a possible motive driven by her social status and behavior.
The tragic event has also brought to light the experiences of Briana Iturrino, McMullin’s date, who was present during the incident. Iturrino testified that she initially believed McMullin had managed to avoid the speeding Porsche until she realized he had been thrown 30 feet into the air. She then called for emergency assistance and performed CPR on him until paramedics arrived. Her account underscores the severity of the crash and the immediate aftermath, which included the tragic death of McMullin at the scene.
Additionally, the case has drawn attention for the separate legal proceedings involving a $1 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by McMullin’s family. This lawsuit partially places blame on Chambers’ ex-husband, Xuan Si, for purchasing the high-end sports car that was involved in the crash. Although Si has denied knowledge of Chambers’ drinking problem, the lawsuit highlights the complex web of personal and financial responsibilities that may be involved in such incidents. The trial’s continuation and the impending civil court date in April 2026 will likely keep the case in the public spotlight, as the legal and emotional ramifications of the incident unfold.