Category: kvia-local-news

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso County revealed new rural utility trucks Tuesday. U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding helped bring three trucks to keep the county’s roads clean and quicken flood response, the county said.

Rep. Escobar submitted the project as one of her funding requests for FY2024 Community Project Funding. The county later received $550,000 to go into utility equipment.

The county said it acquired two dump trucks and one bulk waste loader grappler truck with the federal funding.

At a ribbon cutting, officials demonstrated how the new grappler truck can scoop up commonly dumped items like tires.

One of the new El Paso County dump trucks.

The trucks are expected to help mitigate hazards and threats to water ways and the water supply. Additionally, the equipment will help prevent solid waste accumulation that could lead to vermin and insect infestations, according to the county.

The trucks can also help with flood response and providing equipment for other projects in the county.

“When flooding occurs it brings down a lot of the trash and rocks and these vehicles are gonna help us with clean up,” County Commissioner Sergio Coronado said.

“Illegal dumping has long been a really persistent chronic issue,” Rep. Escobar said. “One of the things that was really needed in order to successfully execute all of those cleanups were these large dump trucks.”

County Commissioner Coronado said the Westway, Vinton, Anthony, Canutillo, Lower Valley and Far East El Paso areas suffered from illegal dumping. Rep. Escobar said places with deserted areas especially see it.

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Nina Gallegos

UPDATE (4:59 p.m.): The defendant has been sentenced to the maximum of two years in a Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) facility.

“The respondent took the life of another 13-year-old because of his actions,” said District Attorney Fernando Macias. “That more than justifies a two-year commitment.”

During Tuesday’s sentencing, Macias showed a picture taken the day of the shooting, which showed the defendant holding the gun later used to shoot Carnero. Other pictures showed the defendant holding weapons.

Carnero’s family members addressed the court.

“I stand here today not just as a mother whose heart has been shattered, but as a terrified citizen of Las Cruces,” said Carnero’s mother, Janel. “My son Chris was the embodiment of pure love. I hope everyone loves like Chris.”

Under the conditions of commitment, the defendant will have any non-familial communications monitored.

The teen defendant will not be identified due to his age.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -– The teen who killed 13-year-old Chris Carnero will learn his punishment Tuesday. The defendant faces up to two years in a juvenile detention center.

On July 28, the defendant entered a no-plea contest of involuntary manslaughter and negligent use of a firearm by a person under the age of 19, according to Doña Ana County District Attorney Fernando Macìas.

Las Cruces police said the defendant, who hasn’t been publicly identified due to his age, shot Carnero March 30. He was later airlifted to an El Paso hospital.

The sentencing will begin at 3 p.m. Tuesday with Judge Robert Lara.

This a developing story.

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El Paso Matters

by Claudia Lorena Silva

The El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees will decide Tuesday whether to call for nearly half a billion dollars’ worth of bond propositions during the Nov. 3 election to bring updated cooling systems and other improvements to its campuses.

District officials are expected to present three bond options to the board, ranging from nearly $209 million to about $481 million, each with four propositions, according to documents posted to the district’s website.

If approved, the proposals would be among the first steps needed for EPISD to begin work on a $1 billion long-range master plan that would address the district’s needs and desired improvements. The plan was developed by the district’s Citizens Bond Steering Committee, made of parents, local residents and school employees, among others.

The decision whether to call for the district’s first bond proposal in a decade comes less than a week after the board appointed Matthew Reza and Brian Kelley to represent Districts 6 and 7, respectively. The seats were left vacant after Daniel Call and Valerie Ganelon Beals resigned in June after the board declared financial exigency, which allowed the district to lay off dozens of employees to cut costs.

El Paso ISD officials didn’t return requests for comment on Tuesday’s meeting.

EPISD has over 46,000 students across over 70 campuses that on average are over 49 years old.

If the board calls for the bond election, early voting would run Oct. 19-30, with Election Day being Nov. 3. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 5.

What is being proposed?

Option 1 asks voters for $208.9 million under four propositions:

Proposition A: $159.2 million to upgrade air conditioning, make safety and transportation improvements and to renovate vacant properties

Proposition B:  $10.6 million for new technology for students

Proposition C: $25.6 million for athletic stadium renovations

Proposition D: $13.5 million to refinance the district’s debt

Option 2 totals $445.8 million and includes everything from Option 1, plus additional improvements that increase Proposition A to $396 million.

Option 3 would cost $480.8 million and include everything from the previous options, plus additional deferred maintenance costs.

The presentation did not specify which campuses would get improvements under the propositions, but the district has made converting all evaporative coolers into refrigerated air conditioning within the next two years one of its top priorities.

What options does the board have?

The board can vote to adopt a resolution calling for an election, vote not to – or do nothing.

The board has until Aug. 17 to call for a bond election to be placed on the Nov. 3 ballot. 

Otherwise, the district will need to wait until May to hold a bond election. The deadline to call for a bond election in the May uniform election is in February. 

How would a bond impact taxes?

District officials have not publicly stated the impact the different scenarios would have on tax bills on the average-priced home in the district, only discussing tax rates – the amount charged per $100 property valuation.

If voters approve the first two options, EPISD plans to maintain a tax rate of $1.08 per $100 valuation, which would likely still lead homeowners to see increases in the district’s portion of their tax bill as home valuations rise.

The third option would raise EPISD’s tax rate by one cent to $1.09 per $100 valuation, further increasing those tax bills.

Homeowners age 65 and older have their school taxes frozen and won’t see an increase in their tax bill regardless if the bond passes.

EPISD published a tax impact estimator on its website to help homeowners determine how the bond may affect their tax bill, but does not specify the tax rate or which propositions were included in the calculations. The district didn’t respond to questions about the estimator.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-Orlando Sapien grew up in El Paso and works as an IT professional and photographer. He created NeuroStack AIOS, an AI ‘second brain’ app developed right here in the Borderland. Sapien says this homegrown tech helps people handle the daily overload of things to remember. It’s easy to show off: just speak to your phone, and it quickly turns your thoughts into neat, organized notes. The app is currently in beta with a local group of founding testers.

For more information, visit neurostackaios.com

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-The City of El Paso is launching its 2026 Veterans Needs Assessment to understand better the evolving needs of veterans, active-duty service members, military-connected families, caregivers, and the organizations that support them throughout the Borderland.

As home to Fort Bliss—recently named the Army’s Best Garrison for Fiscal Year 2026 and recipient of the 2026 Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence—El Paso has long shared a strong connection with the military community.

The online assessment opened Monday, Aug. 10, and will remain available for approximately six weeks. The survey will gather input on the current needs, challenges, and priorities of veterans, service members, and military-connected families to help guide future programs, partnerships, resource allocation, and strategic planning.

Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses and family members, caregivers, survivors, and organizations that serve the military and veteran community are encouraged to participate.

Survey responses will be kept confidential and analyzed in aggregate to identify trends, service gaps, and opportunities to strengthen support for veterans and military-connected families throughout the Borderland.

The survey is available online at: https://tinyurl.com/2s3d8f5n

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Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (10:03 a.m.): El Paso Electric restored power and ABC-7 is back on the air.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — ABC-7 and other broadcasters are experiencing a power outage at the transmitter site atop the Franklin Mountains overnight. Crews are working with El Paso Electric to restore service to our viewers. 

To watch ABC-7 newscasts, you can use the free KVIA News app or go to Livestream Newscasts.

We will provide service updates as we get them.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Crime Stoppers of El Paso and the city’s fire marshal’s office asked the public for help to identify suspected arsonists.

According to Crime Stoppers, two met set two vehicles on fire in an East El Paso neighborhood. It happened at 4:09 a.m. at the 12100 block of Saint Armand Court. That’s in a neighborhood off the intersection of N Zaragoza Road and Vista Del Sol Drive.

Crime Stoppers said a video showed the men setting fire to a 2021 Cadillac Escalade and a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado Z71.

The men reportedly left the scene and returned 10 minutes later to reignite the fire, officials said.

Arson investigators learned the men filled water bottles with gasoline at a Circle K Store at 1600 N. Zaragoza.

Crime stoppers said the first suspect is in his late 20s to early 30s with an average build. He wore a black hooded jacket and blue jeans.

A photo of one of the suspects in an arson investigation.(Courtesy: Crime Stoppers of El Paso)

The second suspect had a red hooded sweatshirt and dark pants, officials said.

A photo of one of the suspects in an arson investigation.(Courtesy: Crime Stoppers of El Paso)

The men reportedly drove a four-door car, which was possibly a Toyota or Lexus with dents on the doors, officials said.

A photo of the vehicle suspected to be involved in an arson.(Courtesy: Crime Stoppers of El Paso)

A photo of the vehicle suspected to be involved in an arson.(Courtesy: Crime Stoppers of El Paso)

Anyone with information about the suspects’ identities should call Crime Stoppers at 566-8477(TIPS) or online at www.cselpaso.org.

Reporters will stay anonymous, officials said. If a tip leads to an arrest, the reporter may qualify for a cash reward.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Trump Administration intensified its immigration enforcement measures since its second term started more than a year ago. For asylum seekers hoping to cross into the U.S., the American Dream is a stone’s throw away.

Joel Vargas legally crossed into the U.S. from Venezuela; he shared his difficulties using the CBP One App with ABC-7. The app used to allow migrants to begin the asylum request process.

After six months, Vargas said he felt immense joy upon getting an appointment and crossing into the U.S. In Colorado, he now works in construction.

Later, Vargas’ phone received a notification offering him to self-deport.

The Trump Administration changed the CBP One app into CBP Home. It no longer takes asylum appointment requests and instead helps migrants self-deport to their countries.

According to Vargas, the app said migrants would have to pay almost $1,000 a day if they don’t voluntarily self-deport.

Even though he crossed into the U.S. legally, Vargas said he lives in fear of being deported back to Venezuela and not fulfill the dream he has: buying a house for his family.

ABC-7’s Heriberto Perez first met Vargas in Juárez when a high number of migrants arrived in the city. He was one of many camping on the streets while waiting to secure an appointment through the CBP One app.

Vargas shares his full story in “Legal Limbo.” Watch the special report Thursday on ABC-7 at 6.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Monday, the 1st Armored Division, Fort Bliss and family honored El Paso community leader and retired Command Sergeant Major Curtis Lee Brown. He died at the age of 101.

Brown made history in 1960 as one of the first African Americans promoted to Command Sergeant Major in the Army, according to Fort Bliss.

Community members and family gathered at the 1st Armored Division Chapel to honor Curtis Lee Brown Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.

He had a 32-year military career that started in 1943 in Little Rock, Arkansas, according to his obituary.

His service spanned from the Berlin Airlift, leading more than 10,000 personnel at the 94th Air and Missile Command to developing a curriculum for the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss.

After retiring in 1975, Brown continued his role as a civic leader in El Paso for more than 50 years, Fort Bliss said. He started a second career at Casa Ford, where he later became the general sales manager.

Originally from Dierks, Arkansas, Brown made his mark in the Sun City in many different ways. At 99 years old, he worked on Mayor Renard Johnson’s mayoral campaign.

Brown also put time into several organizations in El Paso, including the city’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

“He was always about leadership,” retired Army Command Sergeant Major Reggie Daniel said. “He loved his country. He loved his people, and he definitely loved his family.”

Brown’s obituary noted his love for baseball. In 1949, he tried out for the Chicago Cubs and made the team.

“I told the manager of the Cubs that I just wanted to see if I could make the team — I really wanted to be a soldier,” Brown said.

Daniel said Brown loved the Los Angeles Dodgers. In his last moments, he received merchandise from the team’s manager.

“He was always about leadership. And he loved his country. He loved his people, and he definitely loved his family.”

Daniel met Brown at one of his birthdays. His high energy and “fired-up” personality stuck with Daniel the most.

“He just talked to me just like we had known each other for years,” he said.

Daniel said one of Brown’s last words to him were that he wished they served in the military together.

“I told him, ‘We did,'” Daniel said. “Because you were my mentor, and you led the way.”

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso federal jury convicted a man from Mexico of five counts for his role in a deadly conspiracy to smuggle undocumented migrants, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas said Monday.

Juan Juan Carlos Lara-Quezada — also known as “Ironman” — led a human smuggling organization that would smuggle people into the U.S. through Santa Teresa, New Mexico, the U.S. Attorney’s office said.

After entering the U.S., the migrants would be picked up and driven to a stash house in El Paso to stay in while waiting for further transportation, officials said.

In 2024, the organization smuggled a woman and her son-in-law into the U.S. The woman reportedly got sick while traveling, officials said. The smugglers were told to drop the woman off at a hospital in El Paso. On the way, a guide and driver allegedly abandoned the woman and her son-in-law at a neighborhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

A passing driver saw the two and called emergency services. The woman later died at a hospital, officials said. Environmental heat exposure caused her death.

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations led to Lara-Quezada’s death in December 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

In April 2, 2025, Lara-Quezada received a charge for conspiracy to transport migrants result in death, conspiracy to harbor migrants, transporting migrants resulting in death, conspiracy to bring in migrants and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, officials said.

He’s convicted on all five charges, and his sentencing is set for Nov. 2, according to officials.

Others involved in the smuggling operation have been sentenced earlier this year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Officials aid all defendants in the care are from Mexico and charged with the woman’s death.

Juan David Vaquera-Guerrero: 46 months in prison

Carlos Omar Lara-Muniz: 57 months in prison

Ruben Esquivel-Gomez: 72 months in prison

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