The family of a man killed by a drunk driver on a first date has filed a lawsuit against the woman who hit him while driving a Porsche at 100 mph.
Relatives of 33-year-old Joseph McMullin are suing 32-year-old Kristina Chambers, the wife of a wealthy Texas merchant, for at least $1 million after the horror crash in Houston on April 20.
His family filed a report on Wednesday. The case has been likened to the tragic death of a newlywed bride who was killed by a drunk driving woman just after she tied the knot last week.
McMullin, an audio engineer and music enthusiast, had been enjoying a first date with Briana Iturrino and they were walking down a sidewalk at around 2:25 a.m. when the accident happened.
Chambers, driving a Porsche 911 Carrera, reportedly lost control on a bend in the road and hit McMullin, who was flung 30 feet (9 m) and died on the spot.
Joseph McMullin, an audio engineer and music enthusiast, died during a first date when he was punched by Kristina Chambers, who was allegedly driving a Porsche while four times over the limit
Chambers, who appeared in court last week on criminal charges, has been charged by McMullin’s family
Chambers, who was reportedly four times the drink-driving limit, appeared in court last week on charges of homicide by drunkenness.
Attorneys for McMullin’s family filed a civil suit on behalf of his parents, Christopher and Lynn McMullin.
Lead attorney Jesus Garcia Jr, of Kherkher Garcia LLP, said: “On behalf of the McMullin family, we have filed a civil suit against Kristina Chambers, the woman accused of being responsible for the unspeakably tragic death of their son, Joseph.
“Our hearts are with the family of this wonderful young man who was senselessly beaten down in the prime of his life.
“Joseph McMullin was a cherished son, loving brother, proud uncle, and the most faithful friend.
“Joseph’s death was a needless tragedy caused by the reckless and illegal actions of a motorist who had no regard for the safety of others.
“As the McMullins continue to mourn their unimaginable loss, our team will do whatever is necessary to hold Ms. Chambers accountable for her actions and, moreover, deter others from exercising such indifference and disregard for the lives of others.”
The lawsuit said McMullin’s family is seeking a jury trial to determine payout, but more than $1 million is being sought.
A press release announcing the lawsuit said it bears a “striking resemblance” to the death of Samantha Miller, 34, in a drink-driving incident shortly after her wedding.
Miller, 34, was killed and her husband, Aric Hutchinson, 36, remains in critical condition after they were hit by a speeding drunk driver as they were leaving their wedding reception in a golf cart.
They were reportedly hounded by Jamie Komoroski, 25, after celebrating their nuptials in Folly Beach, South Carolina, on Friday.
The circumstances of McMullin’s death have been compared to the death of Samantha Miller, 34, (right) in a drink-driving incident shortly after her wedding
Jamie Komoroski, 25, has been charged with three counts of drunk driving resulting in grievous bodily harm or death and one count of reckless homicide following the death of Samantha Miller, 34
Heartbreaking photos showed the happy couple just before disaster struck, beaming as they were waved goodbye by their star-studded guests.
McMullin’s death was captured in gruesome surveillance footage that showed Chambers’ $100,000 supercar skidded off the road and crashed into him before crashing into a pole. She has claimed poor road conditions caused the incident.
McMullin was flung about 30 feet from the wreckage and died on the spot.
Iturrino said she met McMullin through the dating app OK Cupid and they spent the evening at a karaoke night before heading to a nearby donut shop. As they sauntered down the sidewalk, Chambers reportedly drove down the narrow road and lost control of a curve, hitting McMullin.
“It was right where Joe is,” Iturrino said. ‘I thought he was on my left, I didn’t know he was on my right. And then it dawned on me how close the car had been to me.’
“I knew she wasn’t going to make that turn, I knew she was going to hit the sidewalk,” she said.
Iturrino added: “He didn’t deserve to go like this, he didn’t deserve to go now at all.”
She tearfully added, “I can’t believe it’s gone, and I looked at it and couldn’t believe how close it was to me either.”
“I wish I had learned more about him. We had been texting for a few days so that’s where I learned a little about him, I know he loved his family.”
Chambers lives in the Montrose area with her husband of six years, Xuan Si, a portfolio manager, in a large $1.5 million home purchased on a $1 million mortgage.
Chambers entered 339th District Court on Wednesday, still visibly injured from the crash, in a wheelchair with her arm in a sling.
Her attorney, Mark Thiessen, said Chambers broke her leg and collarbone in the impact.
Chambers’ wrecked Porsche is photographed at the scene in the early hours of April 20
The three passengers in the Porsche all survived, although the man was unconscious
Kristina Chambers appeared in court last week over the death of Joseph McMullin
Thiessen described Chambers as unemployed and noted in court that her husband is the sole breadwinner.
Assistant District Attorney Kelly Marshall told the court that Chambers’ actions were criminal.
“There was a lot of alcohol in her body,” Marshall said, adding that traces of suspected drugs — possibly Adderall and cocaine — were also found in her purse.
Chambers told police she had a beer at 9:30 p.m. but nothing else until the crash.
Judge Te’iva Bell ordered Chambers held on $50,000 bond and banned her from driving unless she gets a job.
McMullin’s family paid tribute to a loving uncle, music lover and kind soul.
Born in Houston, he graduated from Stratford High School and later from Houston Community College.
His mother Lynn, father Chris, younger brother Matthew and his wife Anna all remembered him as someone with a true love of life and a large number of friends.
“Good people are attracted to good people, and Joe had nothing but wonderful people to support, love, and encourage him,” his obituary says.