An unsettling case in Texas has taken an unusual turn as a woman claims that her high-priced footwear contributed to the tragic death of a man she struck during a drunk driving incident in Houston earlier this year. The trial of Kristina Chambers, accused of second-degree manslaughter, has captured the attention of many, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.

Chambers, who has entered a plea of not guilty, is facing serious charges following the tragic events of April 19, 2023. On that day, Joseph McMullin, a 33-year-old man, was enjoying a walk with a woman he had just met after a date at Houston’s Voodoo Doughnut.

As McMullin and his date, Briana Iturrino, made their way along the 1200 block of Westheimer at around 2:25 a.m., a terrifying scene unfolded. Chambers, reportedly with a blood alcohol content of .301—nearly quadruple the legal limit—was behind the wheel of a blue Porsche 911 Carrera. She was driving at an astonishing speed of 70 mph when she struck McMullin.

In the courtroom, Iturrino recounted the chilling moment when she saw the sports car barreling toward them. Her testimony added a poignant layer to the proceedings, painting a vivid picture of the night that ended in tragedy.

On Friday, McMullin’s date, Briana Iturrino, took the stand and recalled that they were walking along the 1200 block of Westheimer, at around 2:25 a.m., when she saw the sports car speeding toward them.

“I thought he had gotten out of the way because I couldn’t find him,” Iturrino said, realizing that her date was no longer walking beside her.

Iturrino said she felt something brush against her hip, but did not realize it was McMullin, who had been thrown around 30 feet in the air before Chambers drove away and crashed into a pole.

McMullin died at the scene.

Following the crash, police arrested Chambers after a short stay in the hospital. Two passengers in her were also injured.

Prosecutor Andrew Figliuzzi told the court that the defendant went out to eat at Bludorn with friends, before bar hopping at multiple nearby establishments.

During that time, according to Figliuzzi, Chambers drank around six alcoholic beverages and used cocaine. Police later found a bag of cocaine in her purse and in the backseat of her car.

“She was itching to show off her sports car,” Figliuzzi said.

Defense attorney Mark Thiessen argued that the incident had been a “freak accident” on “one of Houston’s most dangerous curves.”

Thiessen added that Chambers’ Christian Louboutin heels were stuck on the gas pedal, which caused the collision.

Meanwhile, the victim’s family filed a civil lawsuit against Chambers seeking $1 million in damages for their loss, according to online court records.

Law&Crime reports that the lawsuit identified Chambers’ former husband as Xuan Si, a hedge fund manager who bought her the car. Si reportedly knew “she was an unfit driver” that had a drinking problem, the lawsuit alleged.

Si reportedly denied purchasing the car for Chambers. He said she bought it herself with their joint account.

The lawsuit also named four Houston establishments in the lawsuit: The Eagle Houston, JR’s Bar & Grill, Lola’s Depot, and The Ripcord.

The trial continues. Chambers is facing two to 20 years behind bars if convicted.

[Feature Photo: Joseph McMullin/ Handout;Kristina Chambers/Houston PD]