Police ID Woman Who Died In North Austin Wreck For Which Driver Is Charged With Murder

NORTH AUSTIN, TX — Police on Monday identified the woman killed in a Jan. 15 North Austin traffic accident for which the driver was has been charged with murder.

A preliminary police investigation determined that a red 2015 Jeep Wrangler was traveling norhbound in the 13500 block of Highway 183. A gray 2010 Chrysler 300 was traveling in teh same lane, but the driver failed to maintain proper distance, striking the Jeep Wrangler from behind.

The front seat passenger of the Chrysler was pronounced dead at the scene. She was identified as Marina Renee Romero, 42. Two children in the back seat of the Chrysler were rushed to Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Jeep Wrangler was taken to St. David's Round Rock Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, police added, while the driver of the Chrysler was taken to the same hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Police identified the driver of the Chrysler as Julio Bernal-Morales, 35, He has since been charged with murder and two counts of DWI-Child Passenger. He is currently being detained at the Williamson County Jail, police said. Jail records indicate his collective bonds total $1 million.

Police ask anyone with information to contact them by calling (512) 974-5789. Tips also can be submitted by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

The incident marked Austin’s 4th fatal traffic crash of 2017. At this time in 2016, there was one traffic fatality, police noted.

>>> Julio Bernal-Morales booking photo via Williamson County Jail records