Vigil held for Harris County deputy killed in head-on crash

BAYTOWN, TX (KTRK) -- Prayer and candles lit up a quiet corner of E. Wallisville Road near Oleander. It's usually a dark and lonely stretch.

"Jesse, as we call him Trey, was just a wonderful person and we wanted to be here in his honor," said friend Sara Padilla.

Harris County Deputy Jesse Valdez III, 32, was driving east on a two-lane road on a welfare check. Kelly Jo Ivey was driving in the opposite direction. Investigators say she swerved into his lane and crashed head-on.

"Actually it hasn't sunk in. It hasn't settled," said friend Carlos Hernandez. "I've been moving around on purpose, because every time I do get a little chance by myself I break down and cry like a baby."

Thursday morning, Ivey, 29, appeared in court in a wheelchair. She is recovering from injuries she received in the crash.

"I saw it today live when she came out in the wheelchair," said friend Yvette Coyle. "I was disgusted."

Prosecutors said Ivey admitted to getting high before the crash. Investigators added they found meth and ecstasy tablets in a perfume bottle in Ivey's SUV. Weeks ago, Ivey was released from prison on parole after pleading guilty earlier this year to possession of a controlled substance. She served part of a 2-year sentence for it.

"Honestly, I'm trying not to focus on that part of it. On her," said another friend, who identified herself only as Nikk.

Ivey is charged with possession of a controlled substance. She is behind bars without bond. Additional charges are expected. Ivey's attorney disputed the prosecution's evidence, saying she will thoroughly investigate.