PASADENA, TX – A Texas woman has been charged with murder after allegedly striking and killing her husband with an SUV in what authorities say was a deadly escalation of a domestic dispute.
Police in Pasadena, a city southeast of Houston, responded early Sunday morning to reports of a vehicle striking a pedestrian near the intersection of Red Bluff Road and Deepwater Avenue, close to a local Pizza Hut. Callers had reported that a black Chevrolet Tahoe had driven onto the sidewalk, hit a man, and left the scene without stopping.
First responders found Leonardo Mendoza, 42, suffering from critical injuries at the location. He was rushed to HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast, but doctors were unable to save his life, officials said.
Detectives launched an investigation at the scene, gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses. According to law enforcement, the events leading up to the incident began with a heated argument at a nearby residence between Mendoza and his wife, 37-year-old Alina Gonzalez-Morelos.
Investigators believe the altercation concerned a text message, though details about the content of the message have not been made public. Following the argument, Mendoza reportedly left the home on foot. Authorities say Gonzalez-Morelos then got behind the wheel of her SUV, tracked him down, and intentionally drove onto the sidewalk, striking her husband.
Police allege that Gonzalez-Morelos admitted to accelerating her vehicle onto the sidewalk, colliding with two poles before hitting Mendoza. She was taken into custody at the Pasadena Police Department headquarters.
The case has now been referred to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, where prosecutors are moving forward with a first-degree murder charge against Gonzalez-Morelos. She remains in custody as she awaits transfer to the Harris County Joint Processing Center.
Authorities have not released additional information about the specific cause of the couple’s altercation, citing an ongoing investigation. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, with police emphasizing the grave risks posed by domestic violence situations.
Court documents signal that more details may come to light when the suspect appears before a judge. For now, Pasadena police continue to urge anyone struggling in a volatile relationship to seek help before disagreements take a tragic turn.
No further details have been made public about Gonzalez-Morelos’ legal representation or pending court dates. The investigation remains ongoing.