Three teenagers are accused of beating 42-year-old Gabriel Quintanilla to death after he allegedly sexually abused his 9-year-old daughter and the half-sister of two of the accused. His body was found in a field in McAllen by a farmer.
Alejandro Trevino, 18, Christian Trevino, 17, and Juan Eduardo Melendez, 18, are being held at Hidalgo County Jail as of January 23. Bond is set at over $1 million for each of them.
According to a press conference on January 25, the incident occurred when the 9-year-old girl, Gabriel Quintanilla’s biological daughter and the Trevinos’ half-sister, alleged that Quintanilla touched her inappropriately.
“When brothers [Alejandro] and Christian Trevino found out, they became enraged and confronted Gabriel Quintanilla at the residence. A physical fight ensued between the three and the victim, Quintanilla, left the location on foot,” a news release stated.
Christian and Alejandro apparently followed Quintanilla to an apartment complex. The friend, Melendez, arrived in a red Dodge Charger, and all three teens allegedly beat Quintanilla again.
The police stated that the teens apparently left the area to drop Alejandro off at his residence, changed vehicles, and drove back to the apartments in a white Ford F-150, where Quintanilla was injured and walking.
The two teens then allegedly beat him once more, put him into the bed of the Ford truck, and dumped him in a field. Police say that Quintanilla was possibly still alive when left in the field. His body was found on January 20.
McAllen Police handed the case over to the Pharr Police Department after determining that the incidents of the case began in Pharr.
Andy Harvey Jr., Pharr Police Chief began the press conference by stating, “We understand the sentiment and the attention that this case has drawn in this homicide in our city. We definitely understand that. That’s why I think it’s important to have this conversation, to reiterate the facts of the case from what we’ve learned, and perhaps maybe clarify some misinformation or some misunderstanding that may be out there as well.”
One of the misunderstandings the chief referenced was in regards to a 2019 warrant for Quintanilla’s arrest, issued for the alleged continuous sexual assault of a minor from 2014 through 2016.
Harvey clarified that the 2019 case was unrelated to Quintanilla’s alleged assault of his 9-year-old daughter, which apparently incited the events leading to his death. Following the issue of the 2019 warrant, police had been unable to locate Quintanilla until he was found deceased.
Harvey also explained that the reason two of the suspects were charged with capital murder was due to the additional crimes that occurred in conjunction with the alleged murder, including the suspects’ alleged abduction of Quintanilla.
The teens were also accused of stealing jewelry from Quintanilla; MyRGVNews reports the piece of jewelry stolen was a watch Christian had given Quintanilla.
Texas law states suspects can be charged with capital murder when a person intentionally commits murder while committing or attempting to commit certain further crimes, which include kidnapping and robbery.
Melendez is charged with capital murder, organized criminal activity, possession of marijuana, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. ABC News reported that Melendez used brass knuckles during the alleged murder. His bond is set for over $1.5 million.
Christian Trevino is charged with organized criminal activity, aggravated assault, and capital murder with a bond of $1.5 million.
Alejandro Trevino is charged with organized criminal activity and aggravated assault; his bond is set at $1 million. Police believe Alejandro did not “give the last blows” to Quintanilla that ultimately caused his death.
The 9-year-old girl currently remains with her mother, who is being investigated to determine if she was aware of Quintanilla’s assault and subsequent death at the time that it occurred. So far, no charges have been filed against her.