A Texas woman is facing a first-degree murder charge after police say she intentionally ran over her husband with an SUV during an argument over the weekend.
Alina Gonzalez-Morelos, 37, Pasadena, stands accused in the death of her husband, Leonardo Mendoza, 42, according to the Pasadena Police Department. The incident occurred on Sunday in the early morning hours near the intersection of Red Bluff Road and Deepwater Avenue, where Mendoza was struck on the sidewalk.
Fatal Argument
Police were initially called to the scene for a “fail to stop and render aid” (FSRA) call after a black Chevrolet Tahoe reportedly hit a pedestrian and fled. Mendoza was found with serious injuries and was rushed to HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast, but he later died.
Detectives determined that the couple had been involved in a verbal altercation at their residence shortly before the incident. Mendoza is believed to have left the home on foot.
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Investigators allege that Gonzalez-Morelos then drove after him and intentionally mowed him down. Court documents obtained by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram indicate the argument that allegedly escalated to violence was over a text message, though the contents of the message have not been made public.
Admission to Police
According to law enforcement, Gonzalez-Morelos admitted to the crime. She allegedly told investigators that she “accelerated” her SUV onto the sidewalk, drove through two poles, and then struck her husband.
Gonzalez-Morelos was initially detained at the Pasadena Police Department headquarters and is awaiting transport to the Harris County Joint Processing Center. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has taken over the case.
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