Wichita Falls – Nearly two years after a deadly drunk driving crash, a Wichita Falls man has pleaded guilty to intoxicated manslaughter in connection with a collision that claimed the life of a local resident.
The case centers on a high-speed, alcohol-related crash in March 2024 that left Edgar Alarcon, 39, dead and led to felony charges against Dakota Joseph Phillips, 22, who was under the legal drinking age at the time.
Incident overview
The fatal crash occurred on the night of March 15, 2024, at the intersection of Kell West Boulevard and Holliday Road in Wichita Falls. Police say the collision involved two vehicles and resulted in catastrophic injuries.
Officers arriving at the scene found Phillips injured and Alarcon unresponsive, with no detectable pulse. Emergency crews attempted lifesaving measures, but Alarcon was pronounced dead later that night.
Timeline of events
Following the crash, investigators launched a detailed reconstruction and toxicology review. Court records show that Phillips was 20 years old at the time and had been driving at a high rate of speed shortly before impact.
Blood tests later revealed Phillips had a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.204, more than two and a half times Texas’ legal limit of 0.08. He was subsequently indicted in September 2024 on charges of intoxicated manslaughter with a vehicle and manslaughter.
Court proceedings and guilty plea
On Friday afternoon, February 6, 2026, Phillips appeared in the 78th District Court and pleaded guilty to intoxicated manslaughter. The plea hearing took place in front of approximately 20 members of Alarcon’s family and close friends.
Presiding over the hearing, Visiting Judge Stephen Bristow placed Phillips under oath and allowed him to testify in open court.
“I was just trying to have a good time,” Phillips told the court, stating that he never intended for anyone to lose their life.
Details from Phillips’ testimony
During sworn testimony, Phillips admitted that he and friends spent the evening drinking at P2 and later at The Warehouse, a nearby venue. He testified that he consumed two beers at the first location and several shots at the second before driving.
Phillips stated that no staff member checked his driver’s license at either establishment, despite him being underage. His testimony mirrored allegations raised in a civil lawsuit filed by Alarcon’s family against the two venues, according to court filings referenced during the hearing.
Sentencing and probation terms
Rather than entering an immediate conviction, Judge Bristow deferred a formal guilty finding and placed Phillips on 10 years of community supervision, a decision courthouse officials said was made with the agreement of Alarcon’s family.
As part of the sentence, Phillips was ordered to:
- Complete 240 hours of community service
- Attend a DWI Prevention Program
- Participate in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
- Install an ignition interlock device on his vehicle
In addition, Phillips must serve 180 days in the Wichita County Jail as a condition of probation. He is also required to report to jail every March 15, the anniversary of the crash, to spend three days in custody each year.
Victim impact statements
Following sentencing, several of Alarcon’s loved ones addressed the court, including a close friend, his sister, and his mother. Observers noted family members were visibly emotional throughout the statements.
“We know you didn’t intentionally mean to kill Edgar,” Alarcon’s friend said. “But you did intentionally drink and drive.”
Alarcon’s sister described the ongoing pain caused by the loss.
“My brother is gone, and nothing will ever be the same. Grief doesn’t go away. It comes in waves,” she said.
Alarcon’s mother delivered her statement in Spanish with the help of a court translator.
“The pain is not going to leave, but I’m learning how to carry it,” she told the court, later adding, “Through God’s mercy, may my son rest in peace.”
Public safety and awareness
Authorities continue to stress that driving under the influence, especially by underage drivers, remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes. Law enforcement officials urge drivers to plan ahead, designate sober drivers, and report suspected impaired driving to prevent similar tragedies.
Conclusion
After the hearing concluded, Phillips was taken into custody to begin serving his 180-day jail sentence, marking another chapter in a case that has deeply affected a Wichita Falls family and community.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by impaired driving, your voice matters. Share your experiences in the comments below.
