Jesse Edward Leatherwood Found Guilty of Intoxication Manslaughter in Death of Deputy Ruben Garcia

Jesse Edward Leatherwood Found Guilty of Intoxication Manslaughter in Death of Deputy Ruben Garcia

Verdict Follows Hours of Deliberation and Key Testimony on Drug Use and Crash Evidence

A Cameron County jury has found Jesse Edward Leatherwood guilty of intoxication manslaughter in the 2023 death of Precinct 1 Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia.

The verdict was reached after nearly four hours of deliberation, following a trial that included testimony from witnesses, forensic experts, and law enforcement.

Crash Caused by Rear-End Collision

Garcia died after Leatherwood rear-ended his patrol unit, causing fatal injuries. A forensic pathologist confirmed that blunt force trauma was the cause of death.

Cocaine, Deleted Texts Cited as Key Evidence

Prosecutors presented toxicology reports showing cocaine in Leatherwood’s system at the time of the crash. They also introduced deleted text messages referencing drug use, recovered from Leatherwood’s phone.

Leatherwood took the stand, admitting to using drugs that day and telling jurors:
“If the phone wasn’t in my hand, this would have never happened.”

Sentencing Phase Begins Monday

Leatherwood now awaits sentencing. The next phase of the trial will begin Monday, where the jury will determine his punishment.

📞 For court updates or victim support resources, contact the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office.