SAN ANTONIO - A high profile drunken driving case finally made its way to a Bexar County courtroom. Julie Bronson, 45, pleaded guilty to intoxication assault and failure to stop and render aide. Jurors heard testimony Tuesday in the punishment phase of her trial.
In April 2009 Jennifer Wiedenhoefer told the jury she saw Ava Lopez, just 18 months old at the time, in her front yard with her mom and sister when police said Julie Bronson crashed into the family. Ava was thrown in the air and critically hurt.
It's been three years since the accident, and some neighbors can't believe Bronson has been free and living right down the street from the Lopez Family while waiting for her trial.
"The kids are the ones that don't know how to handle her still being out there," said Wiedenhoefer.
The accident sparked lots of community support for the Lopez Family. Traci Lopez established the
Ava's Wish, Inc. The foundation offers help to families dealing with similar, traumatic situations.
As he sat outside the courtroom, Manny Lopez said he wants justice served and it's time for his family to have closure.
"Our society should not tolerate someone running people down, choosing to drink, choosing to drive, choosing to have a weapon, like a car," said Lopez.
The trial continues Wednesday and Bronson faces up to ten years in prison.
