Family Of Officer Killed By Drunken Driving Suspect Speaks

On Oct. 13, four-year El Paso police Officer Karl McDonough was in the passenger seat of a patrol car on its way to a call around 1 a.m. when, police said, a drunken driver ran the red light at the Kleinfeld and Zaragoza and slammed into them.

"When they came to my door and they told me that my son was dead, I said 'No, it can't be,'" said Nancy McDonough, Karl's mother. "I don't know if he died instantly, or if he died quickly or how, I just know he died."

"The pain and anguish that comes from that sometimes is unbearable," said Karl's father, Paul McDonough.

Police arrested 19-year-old Alejandro Fierro. He is charged with intoxicated manslaughter and intoxicated assault, but three months later that's no consolation for these parents, especially because Fierro posted bond and is walking free.

"To this day, that man has yet to contact us and even to say, 'Gee, we're really sorry for your loss.' I don't expect anything less of him," said Paul.

"I just want that mother to know that what I feel, that her son has taken away from me, and I want him back and I can't have him," said Nancy.

Now the McDonough family has a message for anyone who might ever think of getting behind the wheel after drinking.

"You need to stop. You need to think, and by all means get a designated driver or don't drink at all. I'm pleading with you El Paso, and I'm pleading with you Texas, and I'm pleading with the nation," said Nancy.

The McDonoughs also have a message for city council members. Paul said he's upset that Police Chief Greg Allen has been asking for more manpower but the city isn't listening because of budget restraints.

"In listening to city council, it's like talking to the wall I believe," said Paul. "Does it come down to dollars and cents for a life? Is money more important for a life?"

But the McDonoughs aren't stopping with a message for local leaders.

"The other thing I want to say is to our local representatives. I want you to work on passing a law for sobriety check points in this state," said Paul. Video: Exclusive Interview: Paul McDonough Talks About Son's Death, Recent DWI Crashes

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