Cleburne, TX – A 19-year-old Texas man has been sentenced to 65 years in prison for causing a horrific head-on collision that killed six members of one family and left a seventh permanently paralyzed. Prosecutors said Luke Resecker was under the influence of THC and carrying multiple marijuana products when his pickup truck crossed into oncoming traffic and slammed into a minivan on December 26, 2023.
The Incident: Six Family Members Killed in Tragic Holiday Crash
According to the Johnson and Somervelle County District Attorney’s Office, the crash occurred on U.S. Highway 67 when Resecker’s pickup truck crossed the double yellow line and collided head-on with a minivan carrying seven family members who were visiting Texas for the holidays.
Inside the van were members of the Potabathula and Ponnada families, who had traveled from Alpharetta, Georgia, and India. The victims killed in the crash were identified as Rushil Barri, 28; Nageswararao Ponnada, 64; Sitamahalakshmi Ponnada, 60; Naveena Potabathula, 36; Krithik Potabathula, 10; and Nishidha Potabathula, 9.
The sole survivor, Lokesh Potabathula, 43, was left paralyzed from the waist down. He lost his wife, two children, both in-laws, and his cousin in the crash.
Investigators later confirmed that Resecker and his passenger were also injured in the wreck. His passenger, 17-year-old Preston Glass, sustained a traumatic brain injury that left him permanently impaired.
Investigation and Evidence of Intoxication
Authorities said Resecker tested positive for THC following the collision. Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety discovered THC wax, marijuana, and a vape pen inside his truck at the scene.
The official crash report revealed that Resecker had been driving on the wrong side of the highway for several moments before striking the oncoming van. Witnesses reported seeing his vehicle veer erratically before crossing into opposing lanes.
“This was a preventable tragedy,” said a spokesperson from the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office. “The defendant chose to drive impaired and took the lives of an entire family in an instant.”
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Following a jury trial, Resecker was found guilty on October 27, 2025, of:
- Six counts of manslaughter
- Two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Six counts of driving while intoxicated
Jurors deliberated before handing down a 65-year prison sentence, reflecting the severity of the loss and the recklessness of Resecker’s actions.
Prosecutors emphasized that each victim’s life represented an irreplaceable loss, and the sentence should serve as a warning to drivers about the consequences of drug-impaired driving.
“The devastation caused by one individual’s selfish decision cannot be undone,” prosecutors said. “But justice has been served for those who can no longer speak for themselves.”
Family Impact and Community Reaction
The Potabathula and Ponnada families were visiting Texas during the Christmas holidays when the tragedy struck. Relatives described the victims as kind, hardworking, and family-oriented, visiting loved ones before returning to Georgia and India.
The Atlanta-based community mourned the deaths, with local leaders and religious organizations holding vigils for the victims. Friends of the family said Lokesh Potabathula’s recovery journey has been long and painful, and he continues to receive medical care for his paralysis.
“He lost everything in one moment — his children, his wife, and his parents,” one family friend said. “No sentence can ever truly bring peace, but we hope this brings some justice.”
Background and Legal Context
Under Texas law, intoxication manslaughter and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon are among the most severe felony charges a driver can face. Sentences can exceed 60 years depending on the number of victims and aggravating factors, such as THC intoxication and reckless behavior.
Officials also noted a growing concern about drugged driving, particularly involving marijuana concentrates and edibles, which have led to a rise in fatal traffic accidents across the state.
“Driving under the influence of THC can be just as deadly as alcohol,” said a DPS highway safety official. “This case highlights the catastrophic results of impaired driving.”
Ongoing Awareness and Prevention Efforts
Following the sentencing, Johnson County authorities announced plans to expand public education efforts about impaired driving and drug awareness among teens. The district attorney’s office said it hopes this case will encourage parents to discuss the dangers of driving high with their children.
Organizations in both Texas and Georgia have launched fundraisers and scholarship initiatives in memory of the victims, with proceeds supporting families affected by DUI-related crashes.
Conclusion
With his 65-year prison sentence, Luke Resecker will likely spend the majority of his life behind bars for a tragedy that wiped out nearly an entire family. The crash serves as a grim reminder of how one reckless decision behind the wheel can destroy countless lives in seconds.
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