Theodore Hargrove charged in drugged-driving accident

Theodore Hargrove, 33, has been identified as the driver charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter in the deaths of Richey Quinton and Meagen Jones.  Richey and Meagen were waiting to turn from the parking lot of a Shell gas station at Kirby Drive and the 59 feeder early Monday morning when Hargrove, driving a black Chevy Impala, sped through a red light, entered the parking lot and smashed into the driver's side of Richey's car, also a Chevy Impala. Meagen and Richey died at the accident scene. According to a report on Channel 13's web site, Hargrove already had a court date two weeks from now for another crime he is accused of having committed: allegedly running from a METRO police officer in January. Hargrove's blood test revealed he was under the influence of Phencyclidine, otherwise known as PCP, a powerful hallucinogen. Hargrove has an extensive criminal history that started with a robbery charge at age 18, including drug charges, evading arrest with a motor vehicle and driving on a suspended license.

Intoxication Manslaughter, codified under section 49.08 of the Texas Penal Code, is defined as follows: (a) A person commits an offense if the person: (1) operates a motor vehicle in a public place, operates an aircraft, a water craft, or an amusement ride, or assembles a mobile amusement ride; and (2) is intoxicated and by reason of that intoxication causes the death of another by mistake or accident. Unless the offense is enhanced, for example by a previous conviction for driving while intoxicated, intoxication manslaughter is a second degree felony. Section 12.33 of the Penal Code states that a person found guilty of a second degree felony may be punished by no less than 2 years and no more than 20 years imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Houstonians may remember the drunk driving death of HPD Officer Kevin Will, killed by drunk driver Johoan Rodriguez whose speeding Volkswagen struck Officer Will at 90 MPH as Will was standing on the North 610 Loop working an accident scene. On June 8, 2012 a Harris County jury sentenced Rodriguez to 55 years prison time (the possible maximum was 99-years), of which he will have to serve at least half before he is eligible for parole. Rodriguez' sentence was enhanced to a first degree felony because he killed a police officer. 

Richey Quinton

Meagen Jones

Theodore Hargrove