19-year-old sentenced for DUI crash that killed loving grandmother

(25News Now/Gray News) - A 19-year-old man was sentenced Monday to 12 years in prison for a drunken driving crash that killed a 71-year-old woman, authorities said. [CBS7]

A 19-year-old man received a 12-year prison sentence Monday for operating a vehicle while intoxicated in a collision that claimed the life of a 71-year-old woman on U.S. Route 150 in October 2025.

Caleb Lawson was convicted of aggravated driving under the influence and received a decade-long sentence for that charge, with an additional two years imposed for departing the scene of the crash. The collision occurred Oct. 18, 2025, and resulted in the death of Alice Fulks, who was struck head-on by Lawson's Ford Taurus while operating her Ford Fiesta.

According to court filings, multiple eyewitnesses observed Lawson's erratic driving pattern prior to the collision. Those who saw the incident described rapid lane changes, excessive speed, and illegal passing maneuvers across areas marked with no-passing zones. The documentation states that Lawson's vehicle crossed the center line markings on the roadway before striking Fulks' vehicle directly.

A state trooper who responded to the scene noted physical indicators consistent with alcohol impairment, including the smell of alcohol and Lawson's bloodshot and glassy eyes. Testing conducted after the collision revealed Lawson's blood alcohol concentration measured 0.125 percent, exceeding the legal threshold of 0.08 percent for driving in Texas.

Fulks worked as an employee for both Nussbaum Trucking and State Farm Insurance, according to information from her obituary. She was known to enjoy puzzle activities and valued time spent with her grandchildren.

Lawson is required to serve a minimum of 85 percent of his aggravated DUI sentence and 50 percent of the charge related to fleeing the scene. He received credit toward his sentence for 318 days previously spent in McLean County Jail.