A Texas drunk driver accused of killing a man on his first date is claiming her designer heels, not alcohol, caused the deadly wreck. Prosecutors say 34-year-old Kristina Chambers was driving four times over the legal limit when she struck and killed 33-year-old Joseph McMullin outside a Houston Voodoo Doughnut shop in April 2023.
According to court documents cited by the New York Post, Chambers had spent the night bar-hopping before getting behind the wheel of her blue Porsche. Authorities also found small baggies of cocaine in her car and purse, the Houston Chronicle reported.
As Chambers’ trial began Friday, defense attorney Mark Thiessen argued that her high-end Christian Louboutin heels got stuck on the gas pedal as she navigated “one of Houston’s most dangerous curves.” Prosecutor Andrew Figliuzzi pushed back, saying Chambers was “itching to show off her sports car” when the crash occurred.
Witness Briana Iturrino, who was on a date with McMullin, told jurors that Chambers’ Porsche “sped past the couple” before slamming into a pole. “I thought he had gotten out of the way,” she said. “Because I couldn’t find him.” McMullin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witness Alfredo Ponce testified that Chambers’ vehicle “smelled of alcohol” as he helped her and two passengers from the wreck.
Chambers has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and also faces a $1 million wrongful death lawsuit filed by McMullin’s family. The civil suit partly blames Chambers’ ex-husband, hedge fund manager Xuan Si, for buying the Porsche months before the crash.
