safety
‘Everything is gone’: Family shares heartbreak after driver drag racing hits, kills 17-year-old girl
By Zaria Oates, Emilio Sanchez at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· July 9, 2026
· 2 min read
A South Side mother is mourning the loss of her 17-year-old daughter, Moncerrat “Monce” Maldonado, after San Antonio police say a man who was racing down Southwest Military Drive hit and killed her.Monce was walking home after her shift at El Pollo Loco when police say she was hit by 19-year-old ...
Key takeaway Monce was walking home after her shift at El Pollo Loco when police say she was hit by 19-year-old Vynzell Edward McGarity.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The tragic loss of Moncerrat Maldonado on Southwest Military Drive underscores the need for continued efforts to improve safety along this corridor. District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran's acknowledgement of the cyclical nature of drag racing in the area suggests that the city's previous measures, such as installing HAWK lights and additional traffic lights, may not be enough to deter reckless behavior. The fact that Vynzell Edward McGarity was arrested for reckless driving just days before the fatal accident, and had a prior speeding ticket, raises questions about the effectiveness of enforcement and whether more can be done to prevent such incidents. As the community mourns the loss of Monce, it will be important to watch how the city and SAPD respond to calls for increased monitoring and enforcement, particularly in areas where city and county jurisdictions intersect.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A South Side mother is mourning the loss of her 17-year-old daughter, Moncerrat “Monce” Maldonado, after San Antonio police say a man who was racing down Southwest Military Drive hit and killed her.Monce was walking home after her shift at El Pollo Loco when police say she was hit by 19-year-old ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Zaria Oates, Emilio Sanchez at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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