David Barajas, 31, was charged with murder in the shooting death of Jose Banda, 21. The tragedy unfolded just after 11pm when the Barajas’ family car ran out of gas along County Road 144 about 30 miles from Houston.
Caleb and David were helping push their father’s stalled truck when a car driven by 21-year-old Jose Banda slammed into the vehicle from behind. Barajas' sons David Jr. 12, died at the scene and Caleb, 11 died in the hospital hours later. Banda was found dead of a gunshot wound at the scene.
Last Friday Barajas was charged with murder after turning himself in, and is being held on $450,000 bail.
We all make mistakes. It is a tired cliché of last resort for those looking to offer absolution, or find it. But, there are some mistakes that can never be taken back. There is no reset button, there is no do-over, and no rewind. Bad decisions are made in haste, actions are taken without considering the consequences, and lives are lost forever. Jose Banda decided to drive under the influence, and David Barajas decided to execute Banda in a fit of rage. As a result, 4 lives were lost due to bad decisions, poor choices, and a lack of self control.
PR
It is a sad state of affairs. I'm conflicted. I don't know what I would have done if I had been Barajas and a drunken driver had just taken the life of one of my sons, and left the other critically wounded--only to die later. If I had a gun available, I may have pulled the trigger, too. BUT---If I'm low on gas, and I'm going to be traveling with my family or a friend, I get gas first--so as not to find myself pushing my car as a result of something that I could have prevented. Once when traveling between New York and North Carolina, we had a flat tire. My father made my mother, sister and me stand way back from the road for our safety while he changed the tire--that was my father, very protective. Was Mr. Barajas protective of his family? Had he considered that, at the very least, one of the boys could have injured his back pushing the truck? And to be fair, were Mr. Barajas' flashers operating at the time of the accident? Even though Mr. Banda was "drunk", perhaps he would have not hit the Barajas truck if he had seen flashers. And what color clothing were they wearing? So many people wear dark colors--this might have also contributed to them not being seen. Just a thought. Yes, these were, as you said, "bad decisions"--all around. Poor Mrs. Barajas--her life will never be the same, she has lost two sons and her husband will certainly be imprisoned; and because this happened in Texas, "Old Sparky" may be Mr. Barajas' end. Sad state of affairs.
ReplyDeleteHey, how are you? Haven't heard from you in a while. Very insightful as always!
ReplyDeleteHi, all is well; thanks for asking. I pray that you and the family are all doing well. Things have been somewhat hectic--just trying to keep up with life. Take care, Juanita
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