Two brothers in Texas have been arrested for allegedly beating their stepfather to death. The brothers committed the act after they found out that the man had allegedly sexually assaulted their 9-year-old half-sister.
The Pharr Police Department in Texas say that the brothers, Alexandro Trevino and Christian Trevino, ages 18 and 17, respectfully, beat 42-year-old Gabriel Quintanilla and left him to die in a field. A third individual, 18-year-old Juan Eduardo Melendez, was also arrested for being involved in the crime.
Quintanilla's body was reportedly discovered by a farmer who called 911. Authorities say that Quintanilla had been beaten with brass knuckles, causing severe head trauma.
On January 20th, the 9-year-old girl told someone that Quintanilla had touched her inappropriately in a RV park. Police later revealed that Quintanilla had a warrant for assault, and continuous sexual abuse of another child.
"When the brothers Alexandro and Christian found out, they confronted Gabriel at the residents and a physical fight ensued between the three," said Pharr Police Deputy Chief Juan Gonzalez at a press conference on January 23rd.
"Quintanilla left the location on foot... Christian Trevino runs out after the victim and finds him outside of an apartment complex further south down the road. A second assault occurs there and Alexandro Trevino and the driver of a red Dodge Charger, who we have identified as Juan Gonzales Melendez, catch up to him and again join in on an assault of the victim."
The three teenagers left the scene and returned in different vehicles and searched for Quintanilla. Police say the three found him walking alone on a road, injured from the two prior fights.
Police say a third assault took place, then Quintanilla is placed in the back of a truck. They dropped him off in the middle of a field and left, and police believe he may still have been alive.
The three teenagers were arraigned in court on Sunday. The two brothers Christian and Alexandro were charged with capital murder, aggravated assault and engaging in organized criminal activity. All three individuals involved in the crime are currently in the custody of the police.