Robstown woke up to heartbreak after a violent crash at a quiet rural intersection wiped out an entire young family. Joshua Galvan, 24, of Pharr, Texas, is now behind bars, accused in a collision that killed Randy Rubio, 35, and his three children. The kids were just 12, 5, and 4 years old. They were on their way home from a livestock show carnival when their lives were cut short.
Investigators say the crash happened on January 15 at the intersection of County Road 36 and County Road 77. Authorities allege Galvan was driving a 2019 Ford Ranger westbound when he failed to stop at a posted stop sign. His truck slammed into a 2005 Buick Rendezvous traveling southbound, driven by Rubio, with all three children inside.
The impact was brutal. Both vehicles were thrown off the road as twisted metal and debris scattered across the intersection. Randy Rubio and two of his children were pronounced dead at the scene. The youngest child, just 4 years old, was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from severe injuries, turning an already tragic night into an unthinkable loss.
Galvan was also injured in the crash and was taken to Christus Spohn Shoreline Hospital for treatment. After doctors cleared him, state troopers moved forward with criminal charges. He was arrested on an outstanding warrant and booked into the Nueces County Jail, facing three counts of manslaughter connected to the deaths.
Witnesses told authorities the Ford Ranger did not appear to slow down before entering the intersection. First responders worked quickly, but the damage was overwhelming. Officials noted that this particular intersection has seen crashes before and warned that ignoring stop signs in rural areas continues to cost lives.
Friends and family described Randy Rubio as a loving and devoted father. He had taken his children to enjoy the livestock show carnival, a simple outing meant to celebrate community and family. Instead, it ended in devastating silence. Across Robstown and nearby towns, neighbors have shared grief, prayers, and anger over how fast a normal evening turned fatal.
The Texas Department of Public Safety says the investigation is still active. Troopers are reviewing vehicle data, witness statements, and other evidence to fully understand what led to the crash. Both vehicles have been impounded for inspection, and officials have not ruled out additional findings as the case moves forward.
As the Rubio family mourns, community leaders are urging drivers to slow down and respect traffic signs, especially at rural intersections. Counseling and support services have been offered to those affected. For Robstown, this tragedy is a painful reminder that one missed stop can change countless lives forever.
