A Houston woman is now facing a murder charge after authorities say she deliberately ran over and dragged a man to his death — while her two young children sat inside the same vehicle.
Police say the victim, identified as Luis Adrian Zepeda Lopez, was working underneath a parked vehicle near Antoine Drive and Sheraton Oaks on Thursday morning when the woman behind the wheel suddenly accelerated. Investigators say he became trapped beneath the car and was dragged for roughly two city blocks before his body finally came loose. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
What happened next, according to investigators, raises even more questions. The vehicle used in the attack was later found abandoned at a nearby apartment complex. Detectives reviewing surveillance footage say they watched the suspect get out and climb into a separate vehicle, which was tracked to a location roughly five miles away.
Court records now identify the suspect as Martha Padilla, who faces charges of murder and failure to stop and render aid. According to documents, Padilla and the victim were in a relationship, and her two minor children were inside the vehicle at the time, allegedly witnessing the attack firsthand.
Adding another layer to the case, records show Padilla has a prior federal immigration removal order. Authorities argue this history, combined with her alleged decision to flee the scene, makes her a significant flight risk.
Padilla was scheduled to appear in court Friday as the investigation continues.
Police have not released further details on what led up to the incident or whether additional charges may follow.
