Cross Marks Spot Where Fort Worth Mother Died

A white, wooden cross now marks the spot where a Fort Worth mother was killed by a police officer suspected of driving drunk.

Family and friends of Sonia Baker held a memorial service for her today -- just a few days after four other officers were disciplined. In the heat, side by side, friends and family members walked in unison from the home of Baker's mother to the corner of Columbus Trail and Evening Star Drive.

"Everybody knows this is where Sonia was killed," her mother, Stella Lopez, said. "She was killed here. And we're putting a cross here in her memory."

The 27-year-old wife and mother of two young boys was driving out of the neighborhood on December 11, when she was hit by a car police say was going twice the speed limit.

The driver was Fort Worth police officer Jesus Cisneros. Investigators said his blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit.

The police department said Cisneros was conducting an unauthorized undercover bar detail at three bars and then attended a birthday party at The Pour House, where he continued drinking. 

Cisneros was charged with intoxication manslaughter and resigned from the force.

With shovels in their hands and tears in their eyes, the group prayed as they dug a hole in the ground to put up a cross -- donated by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

"Taken from us," Lopez said of Baker. "I won't ever forget you, ever. For the rest of my life."

"Our community, society has an issue," Sandy Branch, MADD Victim Services Specialist, said. "People choose to get behind the wheel and drive drunk."

A 4-year-old and 5-year-old boy no longer have a mom.

"Put the dirt like this to hold Mommy's cross," Lopez told the two children.

With applause from everyone, someone yelled out, "We love you, Sonia!"

Baker's family has filed a lawsuit against the Fort Worth bar The Pour House. They say the bar should be held liable for serving Officer Cisneros so much alcohol.

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