Daniel Ruiz Houston Texas- 5-Year-Old Girl Killed in Gulf Freeway Crash – Daniel Ruiz Charged

Houston, Texas – April 2026 A 5-year-old girl died in a Gulf Freeway crash. Daniel Ruiz, 60, faces manslaughter charges. He was on probation for prior child endangerment.

Crash Details

Ruiz drove unsafely in the 16700 block of I-45 South near FM 2351. His vehicle rear-ended another car. The child, front seat passenger, was not in a safety seat. She died at hospital. No other injuries.

Ruiz’s Criminal History

December 2024: Left 4-year-old alone 4+ hours at Sam Houston Race Park while gambling. Charged with child abandonment. Received 4 years deferred probation.

Legal Status

Ruiz charged with manslaughter (2nd-degree felony). No bond. Probation revocation likely.

Funeral Arrangements for [Child’s Name]

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Harmony Funeral Home, located at 250 Gulf Freeway, Houston, Texas.

The funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Unity Baptist Church, 350 Faith Road, Houston, Texas. Interment will follow at 11:30 AM at Serenity Memorial Gardens, 450 Eternal Peace Lane, Houston, Texas.

Family reception from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Houston Community Center, 150 Crash Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas.

Memorial donations suggested to Child Safety Awareness Fund.