Justice Sought: Arrest Made in Tragic William Cannon Drive Fatal Crash

Austin, TX – A significant development has emerged in the tragic May 19 crash on William Cannon Drive that claimed a life. The Austin Police Department (APD) has announced the arrest of 20-year-old Roberto Velasquez in connection with the fatal collision, who now faces a first-degree felony murder charge.

The devastating incident unfolded around 2:05 a.m.

in the 5700 block of West William Cannon Drive. According to investigators, Velasquez was behind the wheel of a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, allegedly traveling at a shocking speed exceeding 100 mph in a clearly marked 45 mph zone. This reckless velocity was compounded when he reportedly ran a red light, leading to a catastrophic impact with a 2015 Chevrolet Spark.

The victim of this senseless crash has been identified as 47-year-old Jennifer Ann Lopez.

She was pronounced deceased at the scene, leaving a community mourning her untimely passing. The meticulous investigation by APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit focused on the circumstances leading up to the collision. While initial concerns about driving while intoxicated (DWI) were ruled out, the sheer speed and disregard for traffic laws ultimately led to the severe charge.

Following his arrest, Roberto Velasquez was booked into the Travis County Jail.

The charge of first-degree felony murder underscores the gravity of the situation and the devastating consequences of extreme reckless driving. This marks a critical step forward in the pursuit of justice for Jennifer Ann Lopez and her loved ones.

This incident painfully highlights the ongoing issue of traffic safety in Austin.

It stands as the 34th fatal crash recorded in the city for 2024, a sobering statistic that reminds everyone of the profound responsibility that comes with operating a vehicle and the tragic outcomes when that responsibility is neglected.