Dallas Police Charge Preston Petty in Crash That Led to the Death of Attorney Emma Hackney
Dallas Police Charge Preston Petty in connection with a serious Uptown crash that resulted in the death of attorney Emma Hackney and left two other people critically injured, according to information included in an arrest warrant affidavit.
Police say the collision happened Sunday evening near Cedar Springs Road and Turtle Creek Boulevard. Investigators allege Petty, 26, lost control of a 2025 Tesla while traveling southbound and struck objects along the roadway before colliding with a Porsche that was stopped at a red light. Authorities reported that the impact caused major damage, and the Porsche driver, 29-year-old Emma Hackney, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A passenger in Hackney’s vehicle was critically injured, and Petty’s mother, who was riding with him, also suffered critical injuries, according to the report.
The arrest affidavit states that an officer reported detecting the odor of alcohol, and investigators allege Petty may have been impaired. Police also reported that Petty acknowledged he had been holding a phone while driving and described events leading up to the crash. Investigators recovered a storage device from the Tesla that may help clarify vehicle speed and related data prior to the collision.
Petty has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault causing serious bodily injury. Authorities emphasized that charges are allegations and the case will proceed through the legal process as the investigation continues.
Emma Hackney was an attorney in the Banking & Finance practice at Jackson Walker’s Dallas office, with work involving finance, real estate, and commercial transactions. Colleagues and community members have expressed grief over her passing, noting her professional contributions and the loss felt across Dallas legal and financial circles.
Dallas Police say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional updates may be released as more information is confirmed.
