Devastating Texas Floods: Central Texas reels from severe flooding as search and rescue operations intensify for missing campers and residents.
Jesse Edward Leatherwood Found Guilty of Intoxication Manslaughter in Death of Deputy Ruben Garcia
Cameron County jury reaches verdict after four hours; sentencing phase begins Monday.
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.
Stories You May Like

Criminal Mischief: Justin Lee Garza’s Rooftop Standoff Ends with $15,000 Bond
Rooftop Standoff: Edinburgh court denies personal recognizance bond for man who barricaded himself on roof, adding more jail time for prior offenses.

Immigration: High-Speed Chase Leads to Dramatic Detention of 10 Undocumented Immigrants in Texas
10 Undocumented Immigrants: Mission DPS and Border Patrol intercept human smuggler, uncovering 97 pounds of marijuana in a stolen SUV.

Stabbing Shocker: Fatal Attack Rocks Brownsville Community
Police Seek Public’s Help as Deadly Stabbing Shakes Cameron Park Neighborhood

Fatal Brownsville Crash Sparks Safety Warnings Ahead of July 4th
Authorities Urge Caution Following Tragic Single-Vehicle Accident

Law Enforcement Activity At Nana’s Taqueria
Confusion and Speculation Arise as Authorities Descend on Popular Weslaco Restaurant
Latest Stories
Immigration: High-Speed Chase Leads to Dramatic Detention of 10 Undocumented Immigrants in Texas
10 Undocumented Immigrants: Mission DPS and Border Patrol intercept human smuggler, uncovering 97 pounds of marijuana in a stolen SUV.
Stabbing Shocker: Fatal Attack Rocks Brownsville Community
Police Seek Public’s Help as Deadly Stabbing Shakes Cameron Park Neighborhood
Fatal Brownsville Crash Sparks Safety Warnings Ahead of July 4th
Authorities Urge Caution Following Tragic Single-Vehicle Accident
Law Enforcement Activity At Nana’s Taqueria
Confusion and Speculation Arise as Authorities Descend on Popular Weslaco Restaurant
Crime Surge: Los Fresnos Man Arrested with Drugs & Guns in Shocking Home Invasion Bust
Deputies uncover a cache of drugs and firearms in a dramatic arrest of a 23-year-old suspect.
Crimes: Mexican Fugitive Extradited After High-Speed Chase
Misael Valdez faces multiple charges after a dramatic pursuit and extradition from federal custody.
Community Rallies for McAllen Woman Battling Rare Blood Disorder
Stephanie Martinez Shares Her Struggle with Aplastic Anemia, Seeks Support for Treatment
Border Patrol’s Multi-Front Battle: RGV Agents See Migrant Surge Drop to Four-Year Low
RGV Border Patrol agents report a significant decrease in migrant apprehensions, but challenges remain as authorities brace for influxes.
Mastering Financial Health: Strategies for a Prosperous 2025
Experts reveal crucial advice on setting and maintaining financial goals for the New Year
South Padre Island Organization Urges Community to Donate Christmas Trees for Sea Turtle Conservation
Local group harnesses the power of repurposing Christmas trees to save sand dunes and protect sea turtles
Pharr’s New Year Celebration: Spectacular Ball Drop to Usher in 2025
Downtown Pharr to host grand end-of-year party featuring food, entertainment, and an iconic ball drop
Jimmy Carter: From Peanut Farmer to Peacemaker, the Legacy of the 39th US President
Former President Jimmy Carter, who brokered historic peace talks and won a Nobel Prize, dies at 100

Vaping Dangers: 5 Shocking Ways Teens Hide E-Cigarettes
Vaping Dangers: Parents urged to stay vigilant as vaping devices cleverly disguised as common items infiltrate schools.

Community News: Roma High School Senior Shines in Media Program
Accidentally placed in a video production class, Nicolas Lopez found his true passion behind the camera—and became a standout storyteller at Roma High’s Gladiator Television Network.

Devastating Texas Floods: 13 Dead, Dozens Missing in Unprecedented Deluge
Devastating Texas Floods: Central Texas reels from severe flooding as search and rescue operations intensify for missing campers and residents.

Animal Cruelty Sparks Major Overhaul at Laguruya PD
Laguruya Police Department Implements New Initiatives in Response to Disturbing Animal Cruelty Case

Arrest: La Joya Man’s 911 Calls Lead to Surprising Warrant Discovery
Carlos Rodrigo Esquivel’s non-emergency calls reveal an active warrant for a serious charge, resulting in his arrest.

Fugitive Alert: Search Intensifies for Suspect in Child Indecency Case
Fugitive: McAllen PD Seeks Public’s Help to Locate Rodney Lana Flores, Wanted for Child Sex Crime
Promoted