UPDATE: Suspect Identified in Traffic Fatality at the Intersection of E Ben White Boulevard SVRD WB and E Riverside Drive

UPDATE:
Case:  25-1551404

Date:  Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Time:  9:03 p.m.

Location:  E Ben White Boulevard SVRD WB and E Riverside Drive

Deceased:  Lisa Gail Cooper, White female, 66 years of age

Suspect: Casandra Barron-Manzanarez, White female, 22 years of age

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) initially attempted to stop the suspect vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle fled and the trooper lost sight of the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle ran a red light and struck another vehicle traveling through the intersection. The second vehicle was then struck by a truck traveling behind it. The driver of the second vehicle, later identified as Lisa Gail Cooper, was pronounced deceased at a local hospital.

Initially, DPS personnel did not believe the suspect vehicle and the fleeing vehicle were the same, and contacted APD regarding the fatal crash. APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit took over the investigation. Detectives obtained search warrants for electronic data, which showed inconsistencies with statements made by the suspect driver. Investigators determined that Casandra Barron-Manzanarez was operating the vehicle that fled from DPS and actively evaded arrest or detention, a felony offense, at the time of the crash. Because the fatal collision with Ms. Cooper occurred during the course of this felony, the charge was classified 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.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:
Case:  25-1551404

Date:  Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Time:  9:03 p.m.

Location:  E Ben White Boulevard SVRD WB and E Riverside Drive

Deceased:  Lisa Gail Cooper, White female, 66 years of age
 
On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 9:03 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a crash that involved two sedans and a pickup truck at the intersection of East Ben White SVRD WB and East Riverside Drive. The driver and a passenger that were traveling in one of the sedans were transported to a local hospital. The driver, later identified as Lisa Gail Cooper, was pronounced deceased. All other occupants involved either sustained minor injuries or were not injured. This is an ongoing investigation.
 
This incident is being investigated as Austin’s 38th fatal crash of 2025, resulting in 42 fatalities. This investigation is ongoing. On the date of this crash in 2024, 33 fatal crashes resulted 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 any information should contact APD's Vehicular Homicide Unit at 512-974-8111. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.