Man charged with intoxication manslaughter in deadly San Elizario crash said he ‘probably fell asleep’: Documents

KVIA on November 2, 2026

Armando Ramirez

UPDATE (Nov. 2, 2026): A 61-year-old man has been charged with intoxication manslaughter after a crash on Socorro Road Sunday morning.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said Daniel Martinez drove eastbound on Socorro Road. An arrest affidavit said Martinez had been swerving back and forth between lanes and drove off the road.

Daniel Martinez’ mugshot.(Courtesy: EPCSO)

Martinez allegedly crossed into the westbound lanes and crashed head-on with a pickup truck.

The driver of the truck, 54-year-old Lydia Burrola, was pronounced dead at the scene, EPCSO said.

While attempting to get Martinez out of his vehicle, authorities noticed a “pungent odor of alcohol” coming from Martinez, documents said.

According to documents, Martinez told deputies he drank four or five 12-ounce beers. He allegedly said he drove from a get-together in Juarez and crossed into Downtown El Paso from the Santa Fe Port of Entry.

Martinez said he “probably fell asleep and didn’t know how the accident happened,” according to documents.

A sample of Martinez’ breath resulted in a 0.105 BAC, which is above the legal liit of 0.08, documents said.

Deputies booked Martinez into the El Paso County Detention Facility on a $150,000 bond.

“Our hearts are with Ms. Burrola’s family as they face this devastating loss,” said Sheriff Oscar Ugarte in a statement. “Driving impaired puts everyone on the road at risk. Please arrange a sober ride before you drink. That decision can save a life and spare a family unimaginable grief.”

UPDATE (10:17 AM) — A spokeswoman for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO) says that one person is dead after a crash at the 11900 block of Socorro Road.

The spokeswoman says the department’s Special Traffic Investigators (STI) are on scene looking into the cause of the crash, and the area will remain closed for an extended period as the investigation is conducted.

According to officials, no other individuals were taken to the hospital for injuries.

Once more information is provided, we will update you on air and online.

SAN ELIZARIO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash that has closed a portion of Socorro Rd. in San Elizario.

According to a social media post from San Elizario Fire Rescue, due to the crash, as of 7:15 a.m., the section of Socorro Rd. is closed beginning at the intersection of Thompson and Socorro.

An ABC-7 crew was able to capture these images from the crash, showing two vehicles severely damaged (one on the left and the other on the right side of the photo).

Authorities have not said if there were any injuries to the individuals involved or when the road would open.

Officials are asking drivers to avoid the area and find alternate routes as they investigate what led up to the crash.

ABC-7 has reached out to officials for more information regarding the crash; once that information becomes available, we will update you on air and online.

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El Paso Woman Magazine Returns: Relaunch Features Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Community

KVIA on November 2, 2026

Nichole Gomez

EL PASO, TX (KVIA-TV) — The Borderland’s women now have a fresh platform to share their stories, thanks to the relaunch of El Paso Woman, a bi-monthly print and digital magazine dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday women in the region. Conceived by Monica Tucker in 2008, El Paso Woman began as an interview series in 2020 and has now evolved into a comprehensive media outlet, with a women-owned business directory and an expanding online community.

The premiere issue, released in September/October 2026, is available both online at EPWoman.com and via print subscription. The magazine actively welcomes submissions from local women and encourages readers to sign up for its newsletter and participate in the growing community.

The first cover story, “What She Carries,” profiles Myrna Hernandez, Lead Sales and Service Associate at the Hercules Avenue Post Office. With nearly twelve years of service, Hernandez’s journey is marked by resilience, especially following her return to work after narrowly escaping the tragic August 3, 2019 shooting. The article follows her daily work at the counter and explores the strength she brings to her role and her community.

When asked about her choice for the inaugural cover, Tucker explained that Hernandez’s story represents the perseverance and quiet heroism found in so many local women. The magazine’s mission is to provide a space for these personal narratives, fostering connection and empowerment throughout El Paso and beyond.

El Paso Woman is poised for growth, with plans for expanded features and community resources in upcoming issues. Interested readers can access the magazine online or subscribe for print editions, and submissions from all women in the Borderland are encouraged.

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ABC-7 Xtra Sunday – Bridges and beyond with CBP Director of Field Operations

KVIA on October 31, 2026

Andrew J. Polk

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Its one of the federal law enforcement agencies that Borderland residents likely have the most contact with every day.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is charged with both securing the border and making sure lawful trade, travel and transit of goods can continue.

Their mission covers all the international bridges and ports of entry in the region and beyond.

A new director of field operations was named this year for the El Paso region, and he’s a familiar face to the Borderland.

So how is CBP working to keep a balance between border protection and economic demands?

Sunday night on ABC-7 Xtra, join host Andrew J. Polk as we hear from Ray Provencio, the new CBP Director of Field Operations on how he handles the agency’s mission to “protect the American people, safeguard our borders and enhance the nation’s economic prosperity.”

Tune in Sunday at 10:35 p.m., right after ABC-7 at 10.

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PRIDE Industries at Fort Bliss creates opportunities for people with disabilities

KVIA on October 31, 2026

Hillary Floren

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. A local company that provides inclusive employment opportunities, changing lives in the process at Fort Bliss.

Fort Bliss employees with disabilities are key in mission support roles.

Rusty Burns is thankful for his job. He’s a production control clerk with cerebral palsy, which affects the left side of his body.

After graduating college, he was hired by PRIDE Industries, which does repair and maintenance on Fort Bliss.

“I’m getting to communicate with our customers, our technicians, our subcontractors. This has been a blessing for me to get here — making sure everyone’s happy,” he said.

Employee Estefany Gonzalez has multiple sclerosis. She said it makes her a compassionate supervisor.

“It helps me understand where they’re coming from or what they might be feeling,” she told ABC-7. “My guys are capable. They’re all licensed.”

Butch Henry supervises six employees on post. Most of them have a disability. He said that, as employers, they look at what people are capable of doing — not what they’re not capable of doing.

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Sunland Park Casino unveils new renovations and experiences for residents

KVIA on October 31, 2026

Heriberto Perez Lara

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KVIA) — Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino recently underwent a months-long renovation costing approximately $2 million; it never closed its doors and is now ready to welcome both regular and, perhaps, new patrons.

ABC-7 spoke with the casino’s president and general counsel, Fred Heinrich, who has been with the organization since 2015. He said they are very excited to continue welcoming guests and to have them come and discover the new amenities the casino will offer.

“Sunland Park, as you can see, has gone through an amazing transformation over the course of the last year or so. We’ve got an all-new slot floor, new food and beverage operations and all sorts of fantastic opportunities,” Heinrich said.

The casino never closed during the renovations; instead, it was divided into ten separate sections, with work carried out on one section at a time. This allowed customers to experience the process without the need for a complete closure.

Hours of operation will be Sunday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m

Races are also scheduled to start on Jan. 8, 2027.

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EPPD officer turned off body cam during alleged sexual assault on duty: Documents

KVIA on October 31, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (Nov. 2, 2026): An El Paso Police Department probationary officer turned off his body camera during an alleged sexual assault, according to an arrest affidavit ABC-7 obtained.

Investigators learned about the alleged assault when the victim, who had been arrested on an unrelated outstanding warrant, told her mother during a recorded jail call.

During the jail call, the victim provided 23-year-old Jorge Andres Minjares’ phone number, documents said. EPPD said Minjares is a probationary officer with the department.

Jorge Andres Minjares’ mugshot.(Courtesy: EPPD)

After receiving his phone number, investigators confirmed Minjares responded to a call for service on Sept. 19 at an Econo Lodge Inn & Suites in West El Paso. Documents said that’s where the alleged assault happened.

Documents said Minjares stayed in the hotel room while the victim gathered her belongings. He allegedly watched her and sexually assaulted her while she showered.

Investigators wrote that Minjares offered to help the victim with her living situation, and the victim “felt compelled to take his help.” The victim told investigators she worried Minjares would “run” her name and she would be arrested, documents said. Minjares allegedly gave the victim his phone number.

Minjares later gave the victim money to “keep her quiet for what he had done because he knew it was wrong,” documents said.

Authorities learned about the assault on Sept. 29, according to documents. On Oct. 1, an employee at the hotel told investigators they entered the hotel room while Minjares allegedly watched the victim shower.

Investigators later searched the victim’s phone and found calls and texts between her and Minjares. Documents said the texts showed Minjares arranged financial help, discussed accommodations and arranged Uber rides to meet the victim.

Uber rides scheduled for Sept. 23 were cancelled due to the victim’s arrest on an unrelated warrant, documents said.

Documents also detailed body camera footage from the day of the alleged assault. Minjares put his camera into sleep mode twice, including during the time the victim showered, documents said.

On Oct. 8, Minjares denied the victim’s allegations during his call for service. He allegedly admitted to meeting the victim, engaging in sexual activity and giving her money.

Minjares blocked the victim’s number and messages after her arrest over concerns their interactions had “gone too far,” documents said.

Jail records said Minjares was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on Oct. 30. He posted a $25,000 bond the same day, documents said.

EPPD said Minjares has been placed on unpaid administrative leave.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A probationary officer was arrested for official oppression, the El Paso Police Department said Friday.

Twenty-three-year-old Jorge Andres Minjares was an eight-month probationary officer, EPPD said.

Jorge Andres Minjares’ mugshot.(Courtesy: EPPD)

EPPD’s Special Investigations Unit said an investigation stemmed from an incident where Minjares allegedly responded to a call for service at a West El Paso hotel in September.

A woman said Minjares “engaged in non-consensual physical conduct of a sexual nature,” EPPD said.

Minjares was placed under arrest for official oppression. He was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on a $25,000 bond.

EPPD said Minjares has been placed on unpaid administrative leave.

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City of Sunland Park sends letter to Doña County Clerk’s office regarding bond questions; Clerk’s Office responds

KVIA on October 30, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (1:11 PM) — The City of Sunland Park says Saturday, City Manager Mario Juarez-Infante, PE, sent a letter to Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin, Ph.D., asking for an investigation into why the City’s three General Obligation Bond questions were left off the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.

According to a news release from Sunland Park officials, the City asked that the review trace each step, including any part the City played. In the letter, attached below, city officials asked for the following:

A written timeline, with records, showing how the bond resolution was received, routed, and handled for the ballot. Findings on where the process broke down, including any City action or omission that contributed. Lawful options to correct the omission, including the earliest possible special election, with steps, a schedule, and costs. Preservation of all related records, including emails, ballot versions and vendor communications.

In the release, the City asked the County Clerk’s Office for an initial response by noon on November 2, 2026, preliminary findings within five business days, and a final written report within ten business days. In the release, the letter also states that if the review finds County actions caused the problem, the City says it has the right to seek reimbursement of documented, related costs, such as special election expenses, to the extent the law allows.

“We are government. We must learn from situations like this one, and we are all accountable.”— Mario Juarez-Infante, PE, City Manager

The Doña Ana County Clerk’s Office issued the following statement regarding the City of Sunland Park Bond questions:

“On the afternoon of Friday, October 30, 2026, the City of Sunland Park informed the Doña Ana County Clerk’s Office Bureau of Elections that several City bond questions do not appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. On August 21, the City submitted a resolution and two ordinances to the Clerk’s Office Recording & Filing Department, where they were processed as standard recordings. Placing a question on the ballot requires coordination with the Bureau of Elections, which prepares and certifies ballot content; recording a document with the Recording & Filing Department does not, on its own, initiate that process. Unfortunately, a comprehensive search of Bureau of Elections records found no emails, calls, correspondence or communication from the City of Sunland Park, including the City Clerk’s Office, following the recording or before the August 25 deadline for local governments to file ballot questions (NMSA 1978, § 1-16-3(B)). Ballots were certified by the September 4 deadline, and sample ballots have been available to the public online through the Secretary of State’s website since September 20. The Notice of Election, which lists federal, state and local races, along with constitutional amendments, judicial retention, state and local bond questions and election information, was published on October 13. The October 30 contact was the Bureau’s first notice of the matter.”

Below is the letter sent to the Doña Ana County Clerk:

letter-10312026Download

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KVIA) — The three General Obligation Bond questions approved by the Sunland Park City Council won’t appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. City staff confirmed and announced the issue on Friday.

Sunland Park voters were set to decide whether the city may issue up to  $8,250,000 in general obligation bonds for recreation and parks, public safety, and roads and water. The bonds would be repaid with property tax revenue the city already collects, according to the city.

City officials haven’t stated why those questions will no longer appear.

According to a news release, the city council approved the questions on Aug. 18. City staff filed the resolution with the Ana County Clerk’s Office on Aug. 21.

The city asked the clerk’s office for a full review of why the questions weren’t included.

The city said it’s working with its bond counsel and financial advisor to bring the bond questions to voters at a special election in spring 2027. The date will be announced when officials set it.

What this means for voters

Tuesday’s election will go forward as scheduled, the city said. Other races and questions on the ballot aren’t affected.

Residents who already voted don’t have to take any action.

City mailers, posters and other materials listed on the bond questions on the Nov. 3 ballot are out of date, according to the city. It’s working to update it.

“Residents were expecting to see these questions on their ballots, and we owe them a clear explanation,” said City Manager Mario Juarez-Infante, PE. “We are working to find out what happened and to give voters the chance to decide on these projects in the spring.”

The city said updates on the special election will be posted at this site.

ABC-7 reached out to the City of Sunland Park to ask why the questions won’t be included.

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2 arrested for allegedly filing false police reports

KVIA on October 30, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso Police Department Auto Theft Task Force is warning the public that filing a false police report is a crime. EPPD said it arrested two men in two separate investigations that resulted in false reports.

Sunday, 64-year-old Jesus Armando Morales allegedly reported that his SUV was stolen from his driveway and gave conflicting information. Police said the SUV was later found, and Morales allegedly said he wasn’t truthful with an officer.

On Oct. 7, 23-year-old Diego Ibrahim Vaquera allegedly reported that his pickup truck was stolen. On Oct. 13, officers found the truck abandoned on Dyer Street. Vaquera allegedly admitted to filing a false report.

Diego Ibrahim Vaquera (left) and Jesus Armando Morales’ mugshots.(Courtesy: EPPD)

“Filing a false police report is an illegal offense. The Auto Theft Task Force stresses that all reported vehicle thefts are thoroughly investigated, and individuals submitting false claims will face criminal prosecution and charges,” EPPD said in a statement.

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RSV can be confused for cold-like symptoms

KVIA on October 30, 2026

Yvonne Suarez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes cold-like symptoms. Doctors say the similarity between symptoms can make it difficult to diagnose.

RSV affects the nose, throat, lungs and respiratory track. The virus usually shows up during the fall and winter, along with other upper respiratory viruses. Cases peak in December and January.

While there are vaccines to fight RSV, not everyone can get the shot.

Dr. Juan Felipe Fernandez, a pulmonary and critical care physician at Las Palmas del Sol, said there are three vaccines approved for use in adults and one being approved for use in pregnancy. There aren’t any approved for children, but there is an antibody approved for them.

The CDC recommends an RSV vaccine for all adults over the age of 75.

The RSV vaccine isn’t an annual vaccine like the flu shot. It should only be taken once because the effects last more than a year, according to the CDC.

Symptoms include: compromised airways (runny nose, coughing, wheezing), fever, chills and, in some cases, pneumonia.

A nasal swab test performed at a doctor’s office is used to determine if you have RSV.

Dr. Fernandez said the best prevention method includes wearing a mask if you are sick.

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Man wanted out of El Paso for assault arrested in New Mexico

KVIA on October 30, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso man wanted out of El Paso for aggravated assault has been arrested in New Mexico, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Authorities said 25-year-old George Gilbert Marez was wanted out of El Paso for offenses of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Thursday, the Southwest Investigative Fugitive Taskforce found and apprehended Marez near the intersection of Wyoming Boulevard and Candelaria Road in Albuquerque.

Marez booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center, jail records show, where he awaits extradition back to Texas.

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