CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The trial is officially underway for Garner Burford, the man accused in a deadly 2024 hit-and-run that killed 27-year-old Marissa Mendoza.
Several witnesses took the stand Monday in Judge David Klein’s courtroom, including two Corpus Christi police officers who responded to the crash scene in the early morning hours of March 2, 2024.
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Jurors also saw security video from Oh My Goodness Supplies Crafts store where investigators say the crash happened, along with body camera footage from responding officers.
Jacob Salas, Mendoza’s boyfriend and a passenger in the vehicle that night, also testified. Prosecutors questioned Salas about what happened before the crash and the injuries he suffered.
Police say Mendoza was driving on South Padre Island Drive when her vehicle was struck by another vehicle and forced off the roadway, eventually hitting a building pillar. Mendoza was killed, and Salas was injured.
Investigators say the vehicle involved in the crash fled the scene. Officers later found a damaged vehicle in the Weber and Tripoli area that matched the description of the suspect vehicle, leading to Burford’s arrest.
Burford faces charges including collision involving death and collision involving serious bodily injury.
Monday marked the first day of testimony. The trial is expected to continue as prosecutors and defense attorneys present evidence and call additional witnesses.
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