A 25-year-old Houston man is behind bars, accused of killing his girlfriend and leaving her in the street without calling for help, according to police.
Rudolfo Pinon III was arrested on June 15 and charged with murder in the death of 26-year-old Galilea Adan. He also faces a charge of failing to stop and render aid.
Police say the deadly incident unfolded in the early hours of June 14 on Bellerive Drive, when officers were called to find a woman lying in an active traffic lane. Houston Fire Department crews pronounced her dead at the scene.
Investigators believe the couple had been at a nearby club with a group of friends when a dispute broke out. The group reportedly got kicked out after Pinon was deemed intoxicated. Witnesses told police that after everyone exited the vehicle following the argument, Pinon got back behind the wheel, struck Adan with the SUV, and drove off, leaving her in the road. His vehicle was found abandoned a few miles from the scene a short time later.
Adan’s family says she and Pinon had only recently moved in together, and they are now demanding answers. Her cousin described the family as overwhelmed with grief, anger, and disbelief, saying they cannot comprehend how someone could leave a loved one behind without checking on her.
While Pinon has reportedly claimed the death was accidental, relatives say that explanation isn’t enough — questioning why he didn’t come forward immediately if that were true.
Loved ones remember Adan as warm-hearted and ambitious, with dreams of opening her own hair salon one day. Her family says they’re holding onto faith as the case moves through the courts.
Pinon’s bond on the failure-to-stop charge has been set at $75,000. No bond has been set on the murder charge. He is due back in court on Thursday, June 25.
