San Angelo Man Pleads Guilty to Intoxication Manslaughter
Ismael Hinojos receives 10 years of probation for a 2019 fatal crash in San Angelo.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Ismael Hinojos pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter on October 20, 2026, following a deadly 2019 vehicle crash in San Angelo. The court sentenced the 28-year-old to 10 years of probation and suspended a 10-year prison term.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal case stemming from the 2019 death of 25-year-old Amanda Soto on Southland Boulevard. The decision highlights the judicial outcome for a fatality involving an intoxicated driver in Tom Green County.
Ismael Hinojos was ordered to pay a $2,500 fine and $3,037 in restitution following his guilty plea. His 10-year prison sentence was suspended by the court in favor of a 10-year probation period.
The players
Ismael Hinojos
He is the 28-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter.
Gonzalo Rios
He is the judge who sentenced the defendant to probation in Tom Green County.
Amanda Soto
She was the 25-year-old victim who died in the vehicle crash.
The details
Hinojos was arrested in late June 2026 after being indicted in May 2022 for the crash that claimed the life of Amanda Soto. Investigators determined the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree on Southland Boulevard while the driver was intoxicated.
Timeline
July 6, 2019: Amanda Soto died in a vehicle crash.
May 2022: Ismael Hinojos was indicted.
Late June 2026: Ismael Hinojos was arrested.
October 20, 2026: Ismael Hinojos pleaded guilty.
Legal Context
The sentence follows the sentencing guidelines established by the Texas Penal Code definition of intoxication manslaughter, which dictates potential penalties for fatal incidents involving alcohol. This case reflects how local courts exercise discretion in determining probation versus prison time for such offenses.
This case serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for impaired driving in the local area. Residents should remain aware of strict enforcement and court sentencing standards for traffic fatalities on city streets.
The takeaway
This case underscores the severe personal and legal impacts resulting from driving while intoxicated. Those facing such charges often undergo lengthy judicial processes that ultimately result in significant fines and multi-year probationary oversight.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit Criminal Justice.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Angelo LIVE!.
