A Texas judge has sentenced Domenick Chavez, 33, to 15 years in prison for a high-speed crash that killed Laura Lynch, a founding member of The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks).
The sentencing was handed down on February 24, 2026, following Chavez’s guilty plea to manslaughter in connection with the December 22, 2023, collision. The crash occurred on U.S. Route 62/180 in Hudspeth County, near Cornudas, just days before Christmas.
According to investigators, Chavez was driving a 2022 Dodge Ram at an estimated 106–114 miles per hour while attempting to pass four vehicles on a two-lane, undivided highway. His truck crossed into oncoming traffic and struck Lynch’s 2016 Ford F-150 head-on.
The impact caused Chavez’s vehicle to burst into flames. He escaped with non-life-threatening injuries, but Lynch, 65, became trapped inside her truck and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that alcohol was not a factor, though Chavez was driving on a suspended license stemming from prior DWI convictions in 2014 and 2017.
Under the plea agreement with the El Paso County District Attorney’s Office, Chavez admitted to reckless driving that directly caused Lynch’s death. Prosecutors noted the agreement spared him a jury trial, where he could have faced 5 to 99 years in prison. Chavez’s attorney said his client has expressed deep remorse and accepted responsibility for his actions.
Laura Lynch played a pivotal role in the early formation of The Chicks, helping launch the group from street performances to regional success across Texas. A singer, bassist, and creative contributor, she was part of the band’s foundation before departing in the early 1990s. She was later replaced by Natalie Maines.
Following news of her death in 2023, band members Emily Strayer, Martie Maguire, and Maines released a statement honoring Lynch’s “infectious energy, humor, and essential role” in the group’s beginnings.
After leaving the band, Lynch lived a quieter life in West Texas and Fort Worth, remaining active in her local community and advocacy efforts.
While the sentence brings a measure of legal closure, the loss of Laura Lynch continues to resonate deeply with fans, fellow musicians, and loved ones. Her death stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving—and the lives forever changed in an instant.
Rest in peace, Laura Lynch.