Marissa Burke Killed, Leland Smith Arrested after DUI Crash on Georgia Avenue [Deer Park, TX]

Marissa Burke Dead, Leland Smith Arrested after DUI Collision on Georgia Avenue

 
DEER PARK, TX (November 26, 2023) — A Deer Park High School student identified as 17-year-old Marissa Burke died in a DUI crash last week.
 
According to the Deer Park Police Department, the incident happened in the 2100 block of Georgia Avenue at around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16.
 
Police said 55-year-old Leland Smith drove his white Ford F150 northbound on Georgia Avenue. Then Smith’s vehicle veered across two southbound lanes. After that, it struck a light pole before it went down the sidewalk for about 20 yards, where it came to rest.
 
The light pole hit Burke in the head, slamming her to the ground on the sidewalk. Reports said she was walking home from school with her sister when it happened.
 
Paramedics airlifted Burke to Memorial Herman for treatment. She later died from her injuries. A GoFundme page was created to help her family with funeral expenses.
 
Police said Smith underwent field sobriety testing, and they found him to be intoxicated.
 
Authorities arrested Smith and initially charged him with intoxication assault. However, on Friday afternoon, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office changed the charge to felony murder.

Our sincerest sympathies to the loved ones of Marissa Burke.

At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we aim to fight for all wrongful death victims. We believe their families should receive the rightful compensation for their pain and suffering. While your family focuses on healing and recovery, we will handle the rest. You pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today at 800-544-2696. Let us guide you. If you are a family member of the victims involved in this accident, we can help you request a police report.