Burnet County, TX (August 7, 2025) — A man has been arrested following a devastating head-on crash that killed five women last month on U.S. Highway 281 in Burnet County. Authorities have charged him with multiple counts of manslaughter.

According to reports, the fatal crash occurred around 6:00 p.m. on July 25, 2025. Texas DPS officials say Kody Lane Talley, of Williamson County, was driving a 2018 Dodge Ram 4500 pulling a livestock trailer northbound on US 281 near Park Road when he veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a Chevrolet Malibu.

The impact caused the Ram truck to continue in a sweeping arc, striking a Mercedes SUV that had been traveling behind the Malibu. The SUV overturned and caught fire, killing all five occupants inside. The victims have been identified as Thalia Salinas, Ruby Cruz, Brianna Valadez, Desiree Cervantez, and Jacqueline Velazco — all Dallas-area residents.

The Malibu driver and passengers, along with Talley, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The horses being transported in the trailer survived.

Talley was arrested Tuesday and is facing five counts of manslaughter. He remains in custody as the Texas Department of Public Safety continues its investigation into the events leading up to the fatal crash.

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Losing multiple loved ones in a single catastrophic accident is beyond heartbreaking. Families in these situations deserve answers, accountability, and justice. Wrongful death cases can help provide financial relief and ensure those responsible are held liable — whether due to negligence, recklessness, or preventable errors. An experienced attorney can investigate every angle, from crash reconstruction to civil claims, and help families navigate both the legal and emotional aftermath. If your family has been affected by a fatal collision, speak with a legal professional to understand your rights and take action.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

This story is based on official reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety and may be updated as new developments emerge.

• The names of all five deceased victims have been publicly released; funeral arrangements and family notifications are underway.
• Authorities are continuing to review crash data, vehicle conditions, and other possible contributing factors.
• Criminal proceedings against the suspect are ongoing, and additional charges may be considered as the case develops.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or medical advice. All facts reflect publicly reported information at the time of publication and may change as investigations progress. If you or a loved one has been impacted by a similar tragedy, consider speaking with a legal expert. Learn more by reviewing our disclaimer.