Car thief says he drove about 260 mph in Dallas crash that killed woman: affidavit

According to the Dallas Police Department, a man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a car from a gas station, resulting in a crash that led to the death of a woman who was ejected from the vehicle early Sunday morning.

The fatal incident occurred around 12:50 a.m. in the 1300 block of Murdock Road in the Pleasant Grove neighborhood. Authorities responded to reports of a kidnapping and a major crash at the scene, where they found Karen Mariela Cardona with severe blunt-force injuries. Despite efforts by first responders to save her, Cardona succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Initially considered a carjacking, the incident was later determined to involve Darion Thomas, 26, who allegedly stole the car from the gas station while Cardona was still inside. According to Thomas, he observed the car running with Cardona lying in the backseat before taking it.

Once the car started moving, Cardona confronted Thomas, who accelerated recklessly, driving at high speeds. Thomas reported losing control of the vehicle around a curve on Murdock Road, resulting in a crash into a power pole approximately a mile from the gas station. Both Thomas and Cardona were ejected from the vehicle upon impact.

Thomas, who sustained injuries in the crash, was arrested and taken to Baylor Hospital for treatment. He faces charges of first-degree murder and theft in connection with Cardona’s death.

Surveillance footage captured moments of the fiery crash, leaving witnesses shocked and devastated by the tragic outcome. Cardona, a mother of two young daughters in Honduras who had recently moved to Dallas, became an innocent victim in the alleged carjacking incident.

Thomas is currently held in the Dallas County Jail with a bond set at $1,005,000.

Neighbors expressed concerns about speeding drivers in the area and hoped for justice for the victim and her family amidst the tragedy.