CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The man accused of causing a deadly hit-and-run crash on South Padre Island Drive in 2024 is expected to stand trial next week after both prosecutors and defense attorneys said they are ready to move forward.
During a court hearing Wednesday, attorneys told the judge the case against Garner Burford, 31, is ready for trial. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Thursday, with testimony expected to start Monday.
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Burford is accused of causing the crash that killed 27-year-old Marissa A. Mendoza and injured another person.
According to a probable cause affidavit previously obtained by 3NEWS, the crash happened around 1:30 a.m. in the 2900 block of South Padre Island Drive near Kostoryz Road.
Investigators said Burford admitted he was looking at his cellphone and was not paying attention when he rear-ended Mendoza’s vehicle. The impact forced her vehicle into the support beam of a nearby building.
Police said Burford told officers he did not see Mendoza’s vehicle after the collision and assumed it had continued driving, so he left the scene.
He was later arrested in connection with the crash. 3NEWS will continue following the trial and provide updates throughout the court proceedings.