Jury selection underway in trial over deadly Frazier Avenue crash that killed woman, child

More than two years after a vehicle struck and killed a woman and child on Chattanooga's North Shore , a jury has been seated in the criminal trial against the man accused of causing the crash. Opening statements were given Tuesday evening and for the first time, we heard from the lone survivor of that crash. Randy Vega of Florida is charged in the Thanksgiving weekend crash on Frazier Avenue that killed a woman and a child and injured another pedestrian. The jury was seated just after 4:30 p.m. and opening statements began shortly after. Watch our live coverage: The case has drawn intense public attention since the November 2023 crash on Chattanooga's North Shore. Prosecutors allege Vega was driving under the influence when his vehicle left the roadway and struck pedestrians along Frazier Avenue. During opening statements, the prosecution said that shortly before crash, Randy Vega slowly pulled out into traffic on Frazier Avenue. "He apparently was not concerned with the oncoming traffic because one oncoming driver, McGinty, had to change lanes to avoid him... When he had the space, Vega tried to cut McGinty off, turning his wheel 30 degrees. Vega collided with McGinty’s front bumper, then broke traction. After that, he drove into the family of three." The crash killed Anna Polana Posso Rodriguez and her son, Jonathan Paz, both visitors from Florida. The defense argued contact from Dr. Patrick McGinty's vehicle is what sent Vega's van spinning out of control. "What this trial is about is the mechanics of the collision and whether the state can prove that Randy Vega should be held criminally liable for this accident." Anna's husband, Octavio Paz, survived the crash but suffered injuries. He testified before the jury on Tuesday with help from a translator. Paz said his family was on vacation in Chattanooga and planned to visit the aquarium the day of the crash. Due to his injuries, Paz said his memories of that day are hazy. "The first thing he remembers after gaining consciousness is being in hospital, unconscious for 3 days." Paz stayed in the hospital for month, undergoing 20 surgeries. He told jurors he still relies on a cane, cannot work, and continues to deal with the physical and emotional impact of losing his wife and son. "Physically, how can a man be ok that's lost his family?" When asked about his life now... "Well horrible, I don't have a life. I'm not happy." After Paz left the stand, the judge wrapped up proceedings, saying the trial would continue at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Back in 2024, a Hamilton County grand jury indicted Vega on multiple charges connected to the crash. Since then, the case has generated a series of legal disputes, including arguments over whether jurors should hear evidence involving Doctor McGinty, who previously reached a civil settlement tied to the crash. A judge later ruled that settlement evidence would not be presented to jurors during the criminal trial. The trial comes as Chattanooga continues making changes to Frazier Avenue following the crash. City leaders announced traffic modifications, safety improvements and pedestrian-focused projects after the deaths sparked renewed debate over conditions on one of Chattanooga's busiest streets. Timeline of the case: Nov. 25, 2023: A vehicle leaves the roadway on Frazier Avenue and strikes pedestrians. Ana Posso and her son, Jonathan Paz, are killed. A third pedestrian is injured. Investigators charge Randy Vega in connection with the crash. City leaders announce safety changes for Frazier Avenue. A Hamilton County grand jury indicts Vega. Civil lawsuits are filed related to the crash. A judge rules jurors will not hear evidence involving a prior settlement. June 2, 2026: Jury selection begins in Hamilton County Criminal Court. We will have a crew in court throughout the proceedings and will bring you updates as testimony continues. Depend on us to keep you posted.