Courtney Getz, 21, was arrested on June 16 by U.S. Marshals and charged with intoxication manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance after a March 25 crash on I-20 in Arlington, Texas. The collision, which investigators say involved Getz’s 2014 Nissan Sentra rear-ending a dump truck around 12:29 a.m., later claimed the life of her 6-year-old daughter, Aviah. Police recovered THC vape pens in the vehicle and toxicology results reportedly showed THC use within four to six hours of a blood draw.
Months After Fatal I-20 Crash, Mother Arrested on Intoxication Manslaughter Charge
Courtney Getz, Aviah Michelle GetzCredit: Tarrant County Jail; Golden Gate Funeral Home
A 21-year-old woman has been arrested and charged after a March crash on Interstate 20 in Arlington, Texas, that left her 6-year-old daughter dead, police said.
Courtney Getz was taken into custody on June 16 by the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force, the Arlington Police Department (APD) said. She faces one count of intoxication manslaughter and one count of possession of a controlled substance.
A mugshot of Courtney Getz.Credit: Tarrant County Jail
The charges stem from a collision that occurred about 12:29 a.m. on March 25 on the westbound lanes of I-20 near the U.S. 287 interchange. Investigators say Getz was driving a 2014 Nissan Sentra with two children in the backseat when the vehicle allegedly rear-ended a dump truck.
Emergency responders transported Getz and both children to nearby hospitals. APD reported that Getz and the younger child sustained non-life-threatening injuries; however, 6-year-old Aviah Getz later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
A photo of Aviah Michelle Getz.Credit: Golden Gate Funeral Home
Investigators noted Aviah had been in a car seat but believe the child may have either unbuckled herself or been improperly restrained at the time of the collision. The driver of the dump truck was not injured.
When officers searched the Sentra, they said they recovered THC vape pens. Based on information indicating possible THC use before driving, police obtained a warrant to draw Getz's blood. Toxicologists with the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office reported that the blood test detected THC and indicated use within four to six hours of the draw.
“They indicated she may have been impaired and should not have been driving when the crash occurred,” the APD statement said.
Getz was initially booked into the Arlington City Jail and later transferred to the Tarrant County Jail. The APD said the investigation remains under its jurisdiction. The charges are allegations and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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