On June 4, 2025, a fatal crash occurred at the intersection of E Ben White Boulevard SVRD WB and E Riverside Drive in Austin. The incident involved two sedans and a pickup truck. The driver of one sedan, Lisa Gail Cooper, 66, was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Other occupants involved in the crash either sustained minor injuries or were not injured.
According to authorities, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) initially attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle fled from DPS and the trooper lost sight of it. Shortly after, this vehicle ran a red light at the intersection and struck another vehicle traveling through it. That second vehicle was then hit by a truck traveling behind it.
Initially, DPS personnel did not believe that the suspect vehicle was the same as the fleeing vehicle and contacted the Austin Police Department (APD) regarding the fatal crash. APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit took over the investigation. Detectives obtained search warrants for electronic data, which revealed inconsistencies with statements made by the suspect driver.
Investigators determined that Casandra Barron-Manzanarez, 22, was operating the fleeing vehicle and actively evaded arrest or detention—a felony offense—at the time of the crash. Because Lisa Gail Cooper’s death occurred during this felony act, investigators classified the charge as Murder. A warrant for Barron-Manzanarez’s arrest was issued on August 15, 2025; she has not yet been taken into custody.
“This is being investigated as Austin’s 42nd homicide of 2025.”
The incident also marks Austin’s 38th fatal crash of 2025 resulting in 42 fatalities so far this year. On June 4 last year, there had been 33 fatal crashes resulting in 34 deaths.
“These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash, and the investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.”
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit at 512-974-8111 or submit an anonymous tip through Capital Area Crime Stoppers at https://austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477.
