Vigil held for family of 4 killed in weekend wreck in Texas

CONROE, Texas -- Four people are dead after a horrific three-vehicle accident Sunday in Conroe, Texas. And now one of the drivers involved is facing charges.

It happened at around 1 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of SH 105 near April Sound. Two adults and two children inside a Toyota were killed. They were identified as 49-year-old Roland Sedlmeier, 42-year-old Melinda Sedlmeier, 6-year-old Harley Sedlmeier and 4-year-old Sofie Sedlmeier.

The investigation indicated that the driver of a 2011 Hyundai Azera sedan was traveling westbound and struck the rear of a 2001 Toyota Echo sedan, causing the Toyota to spin and cross into the eastbound lanes. The driver of a Jeep Wrangler attempted to evade the crash but struck the Toyota in the right side with the front left of the Jeep. The Jeep came to rest on the passenger side and the Toyota came to rest on the driver's side.

The occupants of the Jeep were identified as a 16-year-old male driver and 15-year-old male passenger. They were both treated and released from Conroe Regional Medical Center.

A picture-perfect family was taken in an instant while returning from church on Sunday. A vigil was held outside the family's home Monday night.

"As a whole, very family oriented. Many times they would go on outings, all four of them together," said neighbor John Tricoli.

Neighbors say Roland Sedlmeier grew up in Germany and was planning on soon becoming as American citizen.

"He was really excited about it and mentioned it about a month ago and was waiting on word back from the German government as to keeping his dual citizenship," Alan McMahon said.

Sedlmeier flew across the country working pipeline surveillance. His wife Melinda cared for 6-year-old Harley and 4-year-old Sofie.

Conroe police say 68-year-old Ronald Cooper caused the crash.

Cooper was in the Hyundai and suffered minor injuries. He was taken into police custody and is now facing four counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault. Police say they don't believe alcohol was a factor but are waiting for blood tests to learn what may have impaired him. His bond is set at $460,000.