Woman arrested, charged in crash that killed her passenger in southeast Austin

The Austin Police Department said Sonia Edith Ramos, 21, faces an intoxication manslaughter charge in the Sept. 1 crash that occurred in the 5200 block of East Ben White Boulevard. That’s near Montopolis Drive.

KXAN reached out to Ramos’ attorney, who stated they have no comment at this time.

APD said officers responded to the two-vehicle crash in the eastbound lanes. The passenger in one of the vehicles, Sheyla Alejandra Mascorro, 21, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the driver of that same vehicle, Ramos, was then arrested. According to an arrest affidavit, Ramos explained that Mascorro was in the front passenger seat and “dancing as she had half of her body out of the window.” Ramos told the officer she switched lanes and rear ended another vehicle.

The document also stated that Ramos admitted to having two shots of vodka while at a gas station before the collision.

This crash is Austin’s 71st deadly crash of 2025, resulting in 75 deaths. APD said the investigation is still pending.