Chanton Jenkins Alleged Drinking And Driving Serves As A Reminder How Bad Judgment Can Ruin Lives?

As Texas talks of secession from the union heat up, a Texas man may illustrate two problems not limited to Texas: drunk driving and cell phone usage. Unfortunately, Chanton Jenkins, 32, has not only embarrassed himself, he apparently also has destroyed his family. Perhaps Jenkins will serve as an example of our nation's drinking and driving epidemic and the tragic results that may follow. The Houston man has been charged with four counts of intoxication manslaughter in the Saturday drownings of four children riding in his Lincoln Town Car. The apparently intoxicated Jenkins, drove his vehicle off the road into the Green Bayou.

Four children drowned. A fifth child who was also in the car is missing. It is believed that this three year old also drowned. It was not intentional. There was a heavy rain storm taking place.
The Lincoln Town Car was driven by Jenkins with six children and his brother as passengers. Jenkin's brother and one child survived. Three of the children who apparently drowned were Jenkins' children. The other two that drowned were friends of the family. The child who survived is also Jenkin's child. The deceased are believed to be a girl, 1, boys age 4, 5, and 7.

Jenkins apparently failed a field-sobriety test at the scene. A blood test apparently confirmed intoxication. To further complicate the alcohol use, the crash apparently occurred right after Jenkins concluded a cell phone call. Relatives watch attempted rescue

The car was submerged in over 9 feet of water. The young children stood little chance in the cold swift water. Based on the police reports, I doubt even a famous DWI lawyer like Adam Reposa can keep Jenkins out of jail. But keep in mind, Jenkins is to be considered innocent of all charges until he is otherwise proven in a court of law. While Jenkins may not deserve any sympathy for his mistake, innocent children who lost their lives certainly do.