Driver Tavaljenne Capers, 21, has been charged with manslaughter for addiction and booked at the Hamilton County Jail.
KILLEEN, Texas – The Killeen community laments the losses of 20-year-old Jessica Ludwig and 20-year-old Jalijah Stephenson after being killed in a car accident over the weekend.
According to the Texas DPS, 21-year-old Tabagenne Capers was driving a vehicle and has since been charged with manslaughter of addiction. Caper was booked at the Hamilton County Jail following the incident.
The third passenger, identified as a 20-year-old man, suffered serious injuries from Baylor Scott & White and was hospitalized by a white man. Capers suffered minor injuries and was able to get out of the vehicle, DPS reported.
As the investigation continues, loved ones remember the bright personality, devotion and enduring influence of Ludwig and Stephenson.
“They were my babies,” said Ernie Benny Wheeler, a former geometry teacher and assistant cheer coach who worked closely with both women. “I feel like you gave birth to them. I’m struggling…it’s still unrealistic to me.”
Wheeler, who coached Ludwig and Stephenson during the era of cheerleading, remembered their unique personalities and how they lifted the people around them.
“Jessica was stupid, devoted and not afraid of anything different,” Wheeler said. “She was cheerful and always made herself and her teammates better.”
Stevenson’s vibrant spirit also stood out.
“Jalya had this infectious smile and a fierce personality. She was an incredibly talented cheerleader. “Heaven has won two sweet angels. The best part is that they cheer together and now cheer together in heaven.”
Ludwig’s colleague Mary Smith said six news co-workers were checking in all week to enhance each other’s spirits. She also best explained what she remembers about Ludwig.
“Her vibrant, cheerful smile and energetic personality,” Smith shared. “She never smiled…and her red, fiery hair.”
Ludwig’s step-sister, Lauren Newby, also shared that Ludwig was the communications and marketing technician at Killeen ISD and recently accepted the role of Prosper ISD’s social media director.
Funerals for Ludwig and Stephenson are scheduled for this and next week.
GofundMe was created to help both Ludwig and Stevenson’s families with funeral costs.
