Author: KVIA

Lauren Bly

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso veteran received his long-overdue Purple Heart medal in the mail. The Borderland community celebrated this honor with a ceremony Friday morning.

Jose Magdaleno was wounded in combat during the Vietnam War in 1968.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart Lone Star Chapter 393 said many Vietnam veterans weren’t properly honored at the time. The Purple Heart medal symbolizes their courage, sacrifice and resilience.

“This is more about presenting a medal,” said the chapter’s commander, Roberto Garza. “It’s about honoring a man who sacrificed for his country and making sure his service is recognized the right way, in front of his family, fellow veterans and this community.”

At just 17 years old, Magdaleno volunteered for military service, quickly rising to the rank of staff sergeant.

But while serving overseas, Magdaleno was wounded in combat. The Purple Heart is awarded to U.S. service members wounded or killed in action against an enemy yet Magdaleno never received the honor he earned.

More than five decades later, that finally changed.

“Vindicated after 58 years. Really happy about that. And I finally got my Purple Heart,” Magdaleno said.

When Magdaleno’s son-in-law, retired Command Sgt. Maj. William Story, learned the medal had never been awarded, he decided to take action.

“I said, ‘What’s going on?’ Well, you know, I submitted, nothing ever happened,” Story said. “So I said, ‘Give me your paperwork. Give me all your evidence. I’ll see what I can do.’ When a soldier goes and fights for his country, the least you can do is give him what he deserves and what he earned.”

Story said the family was grateful for the support shown by the El Paso community.

“El Paso is a great community, supports their military veterans and our military members,” he said.

While thankful for the recognition, Magdaleno said he also wanted to honor those who never returned home.

“Let’s not forget the people who never made it back the men and women,” he said.

And for those still serving, Magdaleno offered a simple message:

“Not to give up.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso jury sentenced a 47-year-old man to 33 years in prison Thursday for two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Kevin Jerome Wood’s case started in January 2022, District Attorney James Montoya’s Office said Friday. The victim told their mother Woods sexually abused them when they were 6 years old, according to Montoya’s office.

“This case began when the victim was still a young child, and it has taken years to reach this conclusion,” said Montoya. “No victim should have to wait that long for accountability. Our Office continues to work to move long-pending cases forward, and we deeply appreciate the jury’s careful attention to the evidence and their service in bringing this case to a just resolution.”

Montoya’s office said Woods is not eligible for parole, will serve his sentence day-to-day and will register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Click here to follow the original article.

Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas  (KVIA) — Author Jennifer Montiel is using her story of overcoming human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault to help others facing similar challenges.

The bilingual author has deep roots in the Borderland. She was born in El Paso but moved away at a young age.

She recently visited the Sun City to celebrate the release of her upcoming book titled ‘Strong Women Break Too: Real Life Stories from Women Who Carried Too Much and Steps to Reclaim Yourself.’ The official release date is July 7, 2026.

At just 13 years old, Montiel was sexually assaulted by family members. At 16, Montiel was sold by her father. She would escaped human trafficking but fell into abusive marriages. She described her first three husbands as controlling and aggressive.

Following years of therapy, Montiel is now helping others through the power of storytelling.

“I had to find my voice at a very young age, and that’s how I was able to voice and be an advocate for so many people,” she told ABC-7.

For over a decade, she worked closely with families and victims. Montiel took a break from her career in law enforcement to instead focus on her writing.

“Strong Women Break Too: Real Life Stories from Women Who Carried Too Much and Steps to Reclaim Yourself” features the stories of real women who have faced emotional trauma, exhaustion and healing.

Montiel hopes the novel provides guidance on how women can reclaim self-worth and identity.

Her godmother was featured in this publication. Irene Delgado said seeing her story come to life was surreal.

“I cried. I cried because, like I said, it’s so surreal. It’s like it’s me, but it’s, it’s not me anymore. It was me. It was. That girl was a young woman, you know, 25 years ago. It’s not me anymore. And I never thought I would get to the point where I’m at now. I, honestly, I thought I would die under his hands. I thought I was, you know, I was lost,” she said.

Delgado said her hope is that by sharing her story, others would find hope.

“I regret everything we went through. But seeing that and hoping that somebody will read the story and they will say, ‘You know what? There’s hope for me.’”

In the book, Montiel also shares her own story of overcoming her previous relationships.

“I think we all have a voice. We just need the right resources. I always tell everybody we have to transition. We’re like a butterfly. We’re going to transition and we’re going to become something beautiful. Unfortunately, the the, the whatever happened, it will always be there. But there’s always healing methods. We could heal through it to be able to continue in life,” she said.

The mother of three hopes other women are inspired to seek help.

“That was that’s my goal when I write. How can I help? What difference is it going to make? How is my book going to be different?”

Her new book will be released this July. If you’re interested in checking out her other novels, click here.

If you need of help, the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence has a 24/7 crisis hopeline. Call 915-593-7300.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — The Las Cruces Border Patrol Morale, Welfare and Recreation is hosting a fundraiser in honor of a flight nurse killed in a plane crash near the Capitan Mountain area.

Lincoln County said a medical plane with four passengers crashed. The cause is still under investigation. A growing fire is tied to the crash.

 Trans Aero MedEvac, a medical transportation company identified the victims:

Keelan Clark, Generation Jets Pilot

Ali Kawsara, Generation Jets Pilot

Sarah Clark, Trans Aero MedEvac Flight Nurse

Jamie Novick, Trans Aero MedEvac Flight Nurse

Friday’s fundraiser is for Clark and her family. The Las Cruces Border Patrol MWR and Los Corrales Mexican Food will sell birria taco plates until 1 p.m. at the Border Patrol Station (3120 N. Main St.).

Each plate costs $15, according to the Border Patrol MWR. Plates include 3 tacos, rice, beans, consomé, lime and onions.

To order, text (915) 666-1572.

Click here to follow the original article.

Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)—Every Little Blessing (ELB) is a local preschool dedicated to supporting the development of children with Down syndrome and other educational needs.

The center was founded in 2018. The director of academics, Jessica Quinn, said the preschool celebrates the uniqueness of every child! She said most parents learn about ELB through word of mouth.

For Borderland parent Lydia Rios, she has seen the positive impact the school has had on her son, Noah. He was born with Down syndrome and is also autistic.

She described her son as incredibly smart. “He is wild. He is hilarious. He’s a little class clown. He loves making new friends. Noah doesn’t know strangers.”

Her son has been enrolled at ELB for four years. Thanks to the center, her son is able to better communicate using a communication device.

“I see how much he learns from them and vice versa. I think that’s what makes this place special: even the kids who are typically developing are learning from kids like mine,” Rios said.

Quinn said many parents express how thankful they are!

“Parents come back to you later and tell you what a difference you’ve made in their child’s life long term is a really great compliment,” Quinn said.

At ELB, children are able to learn empathy and understanding. They also foster a culture of inclusion and kindness. Quinn said another benefit is the small student-to-teacher ratio.

”I think getting to spend the amount of time with our kids and our families, we really do become a team together. So I think that’s the most special part,” Quinn said.

Rios said Every Little Blessing Preschool has helped her son blossom!

“He doesn’t want to leave this place. So it’s hard to get him to go home,” she said.

If you’re interested in learning more, click here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — NASCAR champion Kyle Busch died at 41 years old Thursday, his family confirmed. Busch raced full-time — but once made a pit stop to chat with an El Paso star.

El Paso native Marcos “Scooter” Carrera is known for the Netflix show Tex Mex Motors. Professionals transport cars from Mexico to the Sun City to restore them.

In Season 2, Episode 6, Battle for the Benz, “Scooter” Carrera works on a Mercedes, which Busch praised.

“Scooter” Carrera met Busch at a racetrack, where Busch’s engine had blown up before the qualifying race.

“He was truly a gentleman,” “Scooter” Carrera told ABC-7. “Anyone I know could have been extremely upset and could have told us to buzz off! But Kyle was calm and nice!”

(Courtesy: Marcos “Scooter” Carrera)

“Scooter” Carrera told ABC-7 Busch autographed the NASCAR-inspired car they took to the track that day.

Click here to follow the original article.

Mia Okubo

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) — Thursday, Las Cruces Public Schools celebrated three educators for being recognized by the National Education Association Southwest Region and NEA-New Mexico.

Two of the the finalists were nominated by NEA from Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy. Josephine Lopez, the MVLA office manager was selected as Educational Support Professional of the Year for the entire state of New Mexico.

Anita Martos, MVLA’s principal, was recognized and selected as New Mexico’s Administrator of the Year. Martos was noticed for her “integrity, compassion and commitment to both students and educators,” while fostering a school culture built on relationships, trust and shared purpose.

Lopez and Martos were both recognized at the Southwest Region awards and will be honored during an awards banquet in October.

Additionally, Gail Wheeler from Centennial High School was named recipient of the New Mexico Human and Civil Rights Award. Wheeler has been a longtime educator who has mentored struggling students outside of class.

LCPS Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz said, “These recognitions reflect the incredible talent, dedication and heart found across Las Cruces Public Schools. Each of these three educators represent the very best of public education through their service to students, support for colleagues and commitment to building strong, inclusive school communities. We are incredibly proud of each of them.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — A 40-year-old man suspected of damaging a Las Cruces Catholic church with a gun in early May now faces additional charges. Thursday, Las Cruces police said Matthew Albian Alarcon was charged for attempted burglary and “possession of a suspicious device.”

On May 4 at about 4:30 a.m., security video from St. Genevieve’s Catholic Church on Espina Street showed a man parking a dark-colored car, LCPD said. The man got out of the car and started shooting the gun toward the church.

This image, captured from surveillance video, shows the suspect who discharged multiple rounds into the exterior of St. Genevieve’s Catholic Church on May 4, 2026.

The gunfire damaged two parts of the church, which no one was in at the time, according to police.

A week later, LCPD said one of its officers noticed Alarcon and 36-year-old Juan Manuel Garcia loitering near a car in front of Miller Guns and Ammo on north Telshor Boulevard. The officer determined they were planned to break into and burglarize the store, police said.

After searching the car, officers found a handgun. Alarcon claimed it was his, but LCPD said it was reported to be stolen.

LCPD said officers compared video of the car from the church shooting and determined it matched the car in front of the gun store, which Alarcon drove.

Investigators executed a search warrant at Alarcon’s home May 19 and found a “suspicious device” with components used to start fires. The Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department’s Bomb Squad safely took the device for investigation.

Officers arrested Alarcon May 14.

He faces felony counts of desecration of a church, receiving a stolen firearm, tampering with evidence, possession of burglary tools, attempted burglary and two counts of conspiracy.

LCPD said it’s working with federal partners for possible additional charges.

Alarcon was scheduled for a pre-trial detention hearing Wednesday. LCPD said he’ll be initially be held without bond.

Meanwhile, Garcia was arrested May 17 and charged with felony counts of attempted burglary and two counts of conspiracy.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a guided Memorial Day hike Monday morning.

We Hike said its holiday hike is open for all abilities; you can run, walk, carry weight or go at your own pace.

The hike starts at 7:30 a.m. at McKelligon Canyon (1500 McKelligon Canyon Rd). We Hike said the group will start at the gate on the right facing the mountain.

We Hike suggests arriving at 7 a.m. for time to park andsign in.

Hikers can take strollers and their pets, but pets must be on a leash, the organization said.

The hiking nonprofit suggests bringing:

Water (at least two liters)

Closed-toe shoes

Sun protection like a hat

Snacks and personal medication

Hiking sticks

Click here to follow the original article.

Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (4:10 p.m.) — All lanes reopened, according to TxDOT.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Loop 375 west between Padres and Yarbrough closed after a semi leaked fuel, El Paso Police said Thursday.

Police said the call about the spill came in at 11:55 a.m. They sent a traffic alert at 1:26 p.m.

(Courtesy: TxDOT)

On X, police said the lanes will stay closed until further notice.

This is a developing story.

Click here to follow the original article.