EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — After five days of testimony, a jury found 34-year-old Rene Martinez guilty of murder and he has been sentenced to 70 years in prison for the 2024 fatal hit-and-run crash in East El Paso, according to the El Paso District Attorney’s Office.

As KTSM previously reported, Martinez was charged in a deadly hit-and-run crash that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Juan Flores Jr.

Jury selection underway for 2024 East El Paso fatal hit-and-run crash trial

Trial evidence showed that on Sept. 20, 2024, Martinez was outside a bar along the 1400 block of North Zaragoza with two other men when a dispute broke out between their group and five other individuals, including Flores Jr.

During the confrontation, someone from Flore’s group threw a rock towards Martinez’s vehicle. Martinez left the parking lot, but returned minutes later.

Witnesses testified that when Martinez returned, he accelerated his vehicle toward the group, striking Flores. Flores was thrown onto the roof and held on as Martinez swerved through the parking lot. Flores eventually lost his grip and fell, striking his head on the pavement.

Martinez fled the scene and Flores was transported to a local hospital, where he later died due to his injuries.

In addition to the conviction of murder, the jury also found Martinez guilty of a collision involving death. The jury sentenced him to 70 years in prison for murder and 20 years in prison for collision involving death. The sentences will run concurrently.

“I want to thank the jury for their service during this trial. They were presented with difficult evidence and took their responsibility seriously,” DA James Montoya said. “The sentence reflects the gravity of the defendant’s actions and the profound loss suffered by Juan Flores’ family. This was severe punishment, and it underscores that violent conduct will carry serious consequences in our community.”

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