Vigil held for sisters killed in Webster car crash

WEBSTER, TX Students at Dickinson High School on Monday remembered their classmate and her older sister as hundreds of people gathered at the family's home to say they will never forget them.

Candles shined a little light on what has been a very dark couple of days for the Castillo family. Teammates and coaches from Maria Castillo's soccer team at Dickinson High School say the 17-year-old was outstanding in all she did.

"She knew what she was going to do with the rest of her life and she was gonna do it," said Taylor Farmilette, Maria's teammate.

The junior was president of her class, in National Honor Society, student council and was always setting the example.

"She'd always greet you with a smile and say, 'Hi, how are you doing?' Was really friendly all the time and when you were down. She'd sit there and ask you, 'Hey what's wrong? Are you OK?'" classmate Karla Zermeno said. "She didn't worry about her problems. She always worried about you."

Maria died with her older sister Mayra early Sunday morning along the Gulf Freeway as they left a southeast Houston club. Marvin Garcia also died in the fiery crash. Webster police say the driver, Marvin Sarmentos, left the scene, but he was later caught.

The sisters were two of five girls in the family. Their youngest sister is now lost without her role models to look up to.

Joel Castillo grew up with his cousin, Mayra, by his side.

"She's always been a lot of fun. She's always been the one eager to learn," he said. "She's one of those quiet ones but she was always paying attention, taking notes."

Just looking around at the crowd that attended the vigil, it was obvious how many lives Maria and Mayra touched and how many hearts are broken.

"She was like a hero to us 'cause if we ever needed anything, advice or help with anything, you could just run to her, and she'd put her stuff down and come help us. That's what a friend is," classmate Diana Martinez said.

Sarmentos, 22, is charged with felony failure to stop and render aid.

The soccer team at Dickinson High says they will dedicate their season to Maria.