HOUSTON, TX – A Texas woman facing manslaughter charges for a drunk driving crash that killed a pedestrian on his first date is claiming her Christian Louboutin high heels caused the fatal collision.
Kristina Chambers, who had a blood alcohol content nearly four times the legal limit, drove her blue Porsche 911 Carrera into Joseph McMullin, 33, outside a Houston doughnut shop on April 19, 2023. The impact threw McMullin approximately 30 feet before Chambers crashed into a pole and fled the scene. McMullin died at the location.
The incident occurred near the 1200 block of Westheimer around 2:25 a.m. McMullin had been walking with his first-date companion, Briana Iturrino, when the Porsche struck him at an estimated 70 mph.
During trial proceedings, defense attorney Mark Thiessen characterized the collision as a “freak accident” occurring on “one of Houston’s most dangerous curves.” He argued that Chambers’ designer heels became stuck on the gas pedal, causing her to lose control of the vehicle.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing Chambers had consumed approximately six alcoholic beverages while bar-hopping at multiple establishments before the crash. Her blood alcohol content measured .301 at the time of the incident. Police also discovered cocaine in both her purse and vehicle.
Prosecutor Andrew Figliuzzi challenged the defense’s explanation, pointing to Chambers’ extreme intoxication as the primary factor in the fatal collision.
Iturrino testified about the horrific moments following the impact. “I thought he had gotten out of the way because I couldn’t find him,” she said, describing how she felt something brush her hip but didn’t initially realize it was her date.
Chambers fled the crash scene immediately after striking McMullin and crashing into a nearby pole. She was later apprehended by Houston police.
The defendant faces second-degree manslaughter charges carrying a potential sentence of two to 20 years imprisonment. McMullin’s family has also filed a separate civil lawsuit seeking $1 million in damages from Chambers.
The case continues to draw attention for the unusual defense strategy citing designer footwear as a contributing factor to the fatal crash.
Charge her with Murder I. She knew she was driving drunk, and if the shoes were inappropriate for driving, why didn’t she keep a pair of flats in the car? The shoes are just a lame excuse, anyway, given the BAC level.