SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A heartbreaking tragedy in San Antonio has left a community in shock after 70-year-old Janice Walker was struck and killed late Tuesday night when a speeding vehicle veered off Dafoste Avenue and crashed into her home. The San Antonio Police Department has launched an urgent investigation as the driver remains at large.
What Happened on Dafoste Avenue
The deadly incident occurred around 10:55 p.m., when police say a Mercedes sedan failed to navigate a sharp 90-degree turn. The vehicle jumped the curb, struck Janice Walker, who had been sitting peacefully on her front porch, and then smashed into the front side of her home.
Walker was rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries.
According to investigators, the driver fled on foot immediately after the crash. A neighbor attempted to stop him, but he managed to escape before authorities arrived. Police confirm the suspect will face serious charges related to the fatal collision once he is identified and apprehended.
Who Was Janice Walker?
Friends and neighbors describe Janice Walker as a gentle, kind-hearted woman who enjoyed quiet evenings on her porch and was well-loved throughout the community. Many say her presence brought comfort and familiarity to Dafoste Avenue — a place she had called home for decades.
Residents are devastated by the sudden and violent nature of her loss, calling it “unimaginable” and “deeply unfair.”
Investigation and Key Details
Detectives are actively piecing together what led to the crash. Their efforts include:
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Reviewing witness statements
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Collecting physical evidence from the scene
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Analyzing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses
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Evaluating whether speeding, road conditions, or impairment contributed to the crash
Neighbor Marie Rose, who witnessed the collision, provided a detailed account of the vehicle’s high speed, its trajectory, and the driver’s attempted escape. Her testimony is now a key part of the investigation.
City officials and traffic experts are also reviewing concerns raised by residents regarding:
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Lack of curve warning signs
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Removal of hedges that once acted as a natural barrier
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Frequent speeding in the area
Authorities acknowledged that excessive speed appears to have been a major factor.
Community Reaction and Calls for Safety
The neighborhood is calling for improved safety measures to prevent future tragedies. Longtime residents say the curve has been a known hazard, especially at night, and are urging the city to install proper signage and traffic calming measures.
Social media has filled with condolences and outrage as the community mourns the loss of a beloved neighbor and demands swift action and justice.
What Happens Next
As of now, no arrests have been made. The San Antonio Police Department is urging anyone who may have seen the suspect before or after the incident — or anyone with relevant footage — to come forward immediately.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact SAPD.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
