Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice Releases Names of Victims of Prison Bus Crash Near Odessa

On Wednesday, January 14th, at approximately 7:30 a.m., a transport bus traveling from the Middleton Unit in Abilene to the Sanchez Unit in El Paso was involved in an accident. Preliminary information is the vehicle left the roadway near mile marker 100 on Interstate 20 and collided with a train. Two correctional officers and eight prisoners died from injuries sustained in the accident. One staff member and four prisoners have been transported to the medical center in Odessa and are receiving medical treatment. An investigation into the accident is ongoing.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of those killed and injured this morning in a tragic accident. Their loved ones will be in our thoughts and prayers,” said Brad Livingston, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

“Today we pause and reflect on the lives of those tragically lost in the accident this morning,” said Oliver Bell, Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. “We also hope for a swift recovery for those injured and thank the law-enforcement and medical professionals for their response this morning.”

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has notified all of the next-of-kin for those involved in the accident. Below is information on the deceased and injured.

Correctional Officer 5 Christopher Davis is deceased. The 53-year-old had 205 months of service with the agency.

Correctional Officer 5 Eligio Garcia is deceased. The 45-year-old had 275 months of service with the agency.

Correctional Officer 5 Jason Self has been transferred to University Medical Center in Lubbock. He is in critical condition. The 38-year-old has 222 months of service with the agency.

• 34-year-old prisoner Bryon Wilson is deceased.
• 29-year-old prisoner Tyler Townsend is deceased.
• 44-year-old prisoner Jesus Reyna is deceased.
• 22-year-old prisoner Kaleb Wise is deceased.
• 32-year-old prisoner Adolfo Ruiz is deceased.
• 25-year-old prisoner Michael Stewart is deceased.
• 31-year-old prisoner Angel Vasquez is deceased.
• 35-year-old prisoner Jeremiah Rodriguez is deceased.
• 22-year-old prisoner Terry Johnson is at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. He is in critical condition.
• 34-year-old prisoner Remigio Pineda is at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. He is in serious condition.
• 22-year-old prisoner Damien Rodriguez is Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. He is in critical condition.
• 37-year-old Hector Rivera is Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. He is in serious condition.

An earlier story after press conference with DPS and TDCJ officials.

The initial breaking story on the prison bus crash near Odessa.