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In a case that has deeply impacted the Eagle Pass community, Christopher Angel Turrubiartes was found guilty of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a vicious attack on 61-year-old Alicia Treviño de Arroyo in August 2022. The jury in the 293rd District Court of Maverick County delivered their verdict on August 16, 2024, after a week-long trial that revealed the details of a shocking crime and a dramatic attempt by Turrubiartes to flee justice.

The trial began on August 12, 2024, with Assistant District Attorneys Amanda Riojas and Hugo Zapata leading the prosecution. Their skillful presentation of evidence convinced the jury to find Turrubiartes guilty. The case was strengthened by the powerful testimony of witnesses and the accounts from Eagle Pass Police Department officers, who played a crucial role in apprehending Turrubiartes after his desperate attempt to escape to Mexico.

The incident that led to Turrubiartes’ trial took place on Commercial Street, right in front of local businesses in Eagle Pass. Turrubiartes brutally attacked Treviño de Arroyo, stabbing her multiple times in the face, neck, and chest. The severity of the attack left Treviño de Arroyo fighting for her life. Thanks to the quick actions of emergency services, she was rushed to the hospital and underwent multiple surgeries. Miraculously, she survived. Her resilience was a central part of the prosecution’s case, underscoring the seriousness of the crime.

Immediately after the attack, Turrubiartes attempted to evade capture by driving his vehicle into the Rio Grande River, hoping to cross into Mexico and escape justice. His plan was thwarted by the quick response of Mexican authorities, who apprehended him and handed him back to the Eagle Pass Police Department. This dramatic escape and capture became a key focus during the trial, highlighting Turrubiartes’ determination to flee and the coordinated efforts of law enforcement on both sides of the border to ensure he faced justice.

Credit: video originally obtained from La Rancherita Del Aire

Throughout the trial, Assistant District Attorneys Amanda Riojas and Hugo Zapata built a strong case against Turrubiartes. They emphasized the brutal nature of the attack, supported by witness testimony and detailed accounts from the officers involved in the case. The prosecution argued that Turrubiartes intended to cause serious harm, as shown by the severity and location of the stab wounds. Despite the defense’s attempts to downplay his intent, the jury unanimously found Turrubiartes guilty, agreeing with the prosecution’s depiction of a man who showed blatant disregard for the law and human life.

Now that the trial is over, the focus shifts to the sentencing phase, which is scheduled for September 27, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in the same courtroom where the trial took place. Hon. Judge Maribel Flores will oversee the sentencing, where the prosecution is expected to push for a significant sentence in light of the brutal nature of the crime and Turrubiartes’ attempt to flee justice. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony, carries a potential sentence of 2 to 20 years in prison, along with fines that could reach up to $10,000.

The upcoming sentencing is expected to draw significant attention from the Eagle Pass community, with many residents seeing the outcome as an important indicator of how violent crimes will be dealt with in the future. Treviño de Arroyo, who has shown remarkable courage throughout her recovery, is expected to speak during the sentencing, giving her a chance to address the court and the man who nearly took her life.

This case also highlights the critical role of local law enforcement and the justice system in ensuring that justice is served. The Eagle Pass Police Department, working closely with Mexican authorities, demonstrated exceptional diligence in capturing Turrubiartes and bringing him back to face the charges. The determined prosecution by the District Attorney’s Office further reinforced the community’s trust in these institutions.

As the community awaits the final outcome, this case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of the legal system in dealing with violent crime. The sentencing on September 27 will not only bring closure to Treviño de Arroyo and her family but will also send a strong message about the community’s commitment to justice and safety.