NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — Liza Kaunda is still trying to process the devastating phone call she received last week.
Her brother called and told her that their youngest sister, 25-year-old Mercedes Kaunda, was hit and killed by an alleged drunk driver.
“We were all traumatized,” Liza said.
Police told WFAA they arrested Anchondo at the crash scene. A caller told 911 dispatch that a woman had been hit by a car and “had visible injuries,” according to the police report.
Mercedes was transported to a nearby hospital where she later died.
“She was a free spirit. She was a beautiful soul,” Liza said.
Liza recalled fond memories of her family gathering at their late father’s home to barbecue. Mercedes, who had Kenyan roots, enjoyed spending time with her siblings who live in North Texas.
“She just liked to have fun,” Liza said. "I'll never get to tell her I loved her... and I'll miss her."
Police charged the driver, Anchondo, with intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle, a second-degree felony.
According to police records, Anchondo was recently arrested by North Richland Hills on Dec. 12 for a DWI (her second) and was out on bond pending a trial when the deadly crash happened.
Anchondo is currently in the Tarrant County Jail on a $75,000 bond.
“You leave a bunch of people devastated over this. Is it really worth it?” Liza said. “Be responsible.”