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Attorney wants civil case against GOP mega-donor to move forward after criminal cases dropped

Edward Saenz
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Attorney wants civil case against GOP mega-donor to move forward after criminal cases dropped

This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more information, click here.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As a controversial case involving a GOP mega-donor, fake ballot allegations, and a roadside confrontation takes a dramatic turn, the attorney for the man who was targeted says it’s important his civil case moves forward.

“This is the only way the public will learn what really happened,” Dicky Grigg said after the announcement by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday that most of the criminal charges against Republican activist Dr. Steven Hotze and former Houston Police Department Captain Mark Aguirre have been dismissed.

Grigg represents David Lopez, an innocent AC repairman who was falsely accused of transporting fake ballots as part of a conspiracy theory-funded private investigation back in 2020. Court records state Hotze financed the operation and hired Aguirre and others to carry it out. On Oct. 19, 2020, Aguirre allegedly rammed into Lopez’s truck and held him at gunpoint, expecting to find fraudulent ballots. None were found, and Lopez, unaware of what was happening, believed he was being robbed.

Hotze and Aguirre were subsequently charged with aggravated assault, robbery, and unlawful restraint, among other crimes.

Now, over three years later, District Attorney Sean Teare has announced that 7 out of 9 criminal cases tied to the incident are being dismissed. At a press conference, attorneys for the defendants celebrated the decision, criticizing the previous administration under former DA Kim Ogg for mishandling the case.

“This was a great day, and we’re rejoicing that justice has been served,” Jared Woodfill, Hotze’s attorney, said.

In a statement, Teare accused the prior administration of engaging in “political theater” and pursuing media attention rather than justice. He also cited failures to turn over evidence and even the loss of some evidence by Ogg’s prosecutors. Ogg did not respond to ABC13 request for comment.

Despite the dismissed criminal cases, Teare said Aguirre still faces two remaining charges. However, Grigg said the focus now turns to the civil courts. The civil case was paused while the criminal cases were still active.

“Now that the criminal cases have been dismissed, he’s going to get his day in court,” Grigg said. “He didn’t know what was happening. He didn’t know the people that were doing it to him. You can believe whatever you want in America, but when you act on those beliefs in a way that harms innocent people, there must be accountability,” he added.

SEE PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
DA dismisses charges against GOP activist and former HPD captain in voter fraud conspiracy case
Dr. Steven Hotze indicted in 2020 case involving former HPD officer accused of assaulting repairman
Houston ‘family man’ sues GOP activist Hotze after ‘violent’ traffic stop
Ex-HPD captain indicted for aggravated assault in bizarre voter fraud conspiracy case

Stephen F. Austin University deaf track star on overcoming adversity: ‘Deaf people can do anything’

ABC13 Houston
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Stephen F. Austin University deaf track star on overcoming adversity: ‘Deaf people can do anything’

This story comes from our news partner, ABC13. For more information, click here.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Jarvis Anderson couldn’t hear the cruel comments, but he knew some of the children he grew up with often excluded him.

He knew how much that hurt, so Anderson’s father offered words of wisdom and encouragement. “I know the kids aren’t including you, and you’re being bullied,” his father told him. “You can’t control what they do, but you can control how you feel.”

Anderson took those lessons to heart and pursued his passion for running track. He never let the fact that he’s deaf slow him down. “I want to show them deaf people can do things,” the star at Stephen F. Austin told me. “Deaf people can run track. Deaf people can do anything they want to do.”

Anderson has done it all at SFA. He competes in the triple jump, the 4×400 meter relay, and his favorite, the 400 meter hurdles. He also played for the Lumberjacks football team before deciding to focus on track. “It’s very important to stay positive,” he said through his interpreter. “I’ve experienced hearing people bullying me, but I’ve always tried to focus on what I can do and count my blessings… and not let them get me down.”

This weekend in Houston, Anderson won the Southland Conference title in the 400-meter hurdles.

He has his sights set on much bigger goals in the Olympics. “I’m really looking forward to LA,” Anderson told ABC13.

He’s focused on a great opportunity in Los Angeles in 2028. Until then he’ll continue to ask if the meets he competes in are using the “loud” starter’s pistol. It’s the only kind he can hear.

“I’m fortunate that I can hear about 5% in my left ear,” Anderson said. “So if they have a loud enough gun, I can hear that.”

Later this year, Anderson will head to the World Deaflympics in Japan. He told ABC13 he’ll spend part of the summer coaching children. He’s proving his point that deaf people can do anything they want to do every day.

Houston Texans Face Tough Start to 2025, Prep for Uniform Redesign and Long-Term Deals

Edward Saenz
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Houston Texans Face Tough Start to 2025, Prep for Uniform Redesign and Long-Term Deals

The Houston Texans are gearing up for a pivotal season, facing a demanding 2025 schedule, eyeing major contract extensions, and planning a bold new uniform debut in 2026.

The Texans open the regular season against the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers—both 2024 division winners. The schedule includes nearly 18,000 miles of travel across eight road games, including two cross-country trips to Los Angeles. Despite the demanding travel, the team will play 12 of its 17 games in climate-controlled or retractable-roof stadiums, which could provide a consistent playing environment.

The Texans will also appear in four prime-time games this year, a sign of the team’s rising national profile.

Off the field, the Texans announced they are working on “rivalry uniforms” set to debut in 2026. Owners Cal and Hannah McNair said the new looks are inspired by the community, echoing the approach of Nike’s City Connect uniforms in baseball. While fans have called for the return of the beloved Oilers-inspired “H-Town blue,” legal restrictions mean the Texans can only use the color as an accent, due to trademark rights held by the Tennessee Titans.

Meanwhile, speculation is swirling around massive contract extensions for two of Houston’s cornerstones. Quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. are expected to command long-term deals that could approach a combined half-billion dollars. Locking up both players remains a top priority for the franchise.

The team has also made several roster moves this month. On May 13, the Texans signed defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi, a seven-year veteran out of UConn. The team also claimed linebacker Jackson Woodard off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks on May 7. Woodard played college football at Arkansas and UNLV.

Center Juice Scruggs has emerged as a potential breakout candidate for the upcoming season. With changes across the offensive line, Scruggs is expected to be a key contributor to the Texans’ offensive success in 2025.

Texans fans looking to show their support can grab newly released 2025 draft merchandise, including limited-edition fitted hats and official jerseys, available online and in stores.

As the Texans prepare to kick off what could be a defining season, all eyes are on how they’ll handle early tests, navigate contract negotiations, and continue building their identity both on and off the field.

Astros Go 7–5 in Key May Stretch, Show Depth Despite Injuries

Edward Saenz
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Astros Go 7–5 in Key May Stretch, Show Depth Despite Injuries

The Houston Astros continued to assert themselves as contenders in the American League West, finishing a 12-game stretch between May 7 and May 19 with a 7–5 record. The team showcased both its offensive firepower and bullpen depth, even as star slugger Yordan Álvarez remained sidelined with a hand injury.

Houston kicked off the run with a commanding 9–1 road win over the Milwaukee Brewers on May 7. Left-hander Framber Valdez delivered a gem, pitching seven innings of one-run ball with seven strikeouts. Shortstop Jeremy Peña sparked the offense with a home run and four RBIs.

The Astros then returned home for a six-game homestand, splitting a three-game set with the Cincinnati Reds before taking two out of three from the Kansas City Royals. Houston’s pitching staff was dominant in the bookend victories against Cincinnati, including a 3–0 shutout on May 9 and a 6–0 win on May 11. However, the Reds erupted for 13 runs in a wild game on May 10, handing the Astros their highest-scoring loss of the month.

Against Kansas City, Houston dropped the opener 7–5 but bounced back with tight victories on May 13 and May 14, winning 2–1 and 4–3 respectively. Clutch hitting and solid bullpen work played key roles throughout the series.

The road trip that followed tested the Astros further. In a four-game showdown with the division-rival Texas Rangers, Houston split the series 2–2. After being shut out 1–0 in the opener on May 15, the Astros responded with a 6–3 win the next day. Despite a 5–1 loss on May 17, Houston closed the series with a narrow 4–3 win on May 18 behind timely hitting and a strong bullpen performance.

The stretch concluded with a dramatic 4–3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on May 19. Center fielder Jake Meyers broke a 3–3 tie in the seventh inning with a solo home run—his second homer of the season. Peña remained hot at the plate, going 3-for-4. The bullpen trio of Bryan King, Bryan Abreu, and Josh Hader held the Rays scoreless over the final three innings. Hader notched his 12th save of the year.

Through 47 games, the Astros sit at 25–22 and second place in the AL West, continuing to weather injuries while maintaining a winning record.

Injury Watch:
Álvarez is continuing his recovery and is expected to return in the coming weeks. The team has not yet announced a definitive timeline.

Up Next:
The Astros continue their road trip with games against the Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners as they look to keep pace with the Rangers atop the division.

Humidity drops overnight, storm chances climb for Memorial Day

ABC13 Houston
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Humidity drops overnight, storm chances climb for Memorial Day

This story comes from our media partner, ABC13. For more information, click here.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’ve got a little humidity relief blowing in overnight, but it won’t stick around for long. By Thursday the steamy air is back, and over the weekend rain chances return.

Temperatures overnight will dip into the upper 60s and low 70s with the drier air in place. That’s about 10 degrees cooler than it was Tuesday morning when the low in Houston only dropped to 81 degrees. Temperatures will still climb into the low 90s during the afternoon, but with the lower humidity it will feel more tolerable than it did Tuesday when the heat index climbed above 105 degrees.

We’ll get an abundance of sunshine under a partly cloudy sky. No rain is expected on Wednesday.

When could we get some rain again?

Rain chances return for the holiday weekend with the highest chance of rain peaking on Memorial Day when another front pushes into Southeast Texas. At this time we have a 20% chance for Saturday, 30% chance for Sunday, and a 60% chance Monday.

Will the Memorial Day front bring us any sustained heat relief?

Yes! This is a stronger front that will drop highs back into the 80s for most of next week, which is more typical for late May.

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Texas Senator Ted Cruz to introduce school choice bill

Edward Saenz
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Texas Senator Ted Cruz to introduce school choice bill

Texas Senator Ted Cruz will introduce the Universal School Choice Act, a bill proposing $10 billion in annual federal tax credits for donations to nonprofits that fund K-12 scholarships for public and private schools. Cruz stated that “school choice is the civil rights issue of the 21st century,” emphasizing that all children deserve quality, individualized education regardless of background. He urges his colleagues to promptly advance the legislation.

These scholarships could cover tuition, books, tutoring, dual enrollment, and other school-related costs, including expenses for religious schools and homeschooling, but not payments to family members. Tax credits directly reduce tax liability, differing from tax deductions that lower taxable income.

School choice has become a key Republican priority, reflecting the party’s focus on parental rights in education, encompassing issues like LGBTQ+ rights, religion, COVID-19 policies, and curriculum content. Texas recently joined other states in offering publicly funded private school vouchers after legislative debate. Supporters argue such programs expand educational options for families with fewer financial constraints. Conversely, critics contend that funding should prioritize improving public schools. The Texas Public Policy Foundation, a proponent of the Texas voucher program, supports Cruz’s bill.

Menendez Brothers’ Parole Hearing Delayed Two Months

Indira Zaldivar
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Menendez Brothers’ Parole Hearing Delayed Two Months

Erik and Lyle Menendez, recently resentenced to 50 years to life in prison, will have to wait longer for their next parole hearing.

Originally scheduled for June 13, the hearing has been postponed to August 21 and 22, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Eligible for Parole After Resentencing

The brothers, convicted of murdering their parents in 1989, were initially sentenced to life without parole. Their resentencing on May 13 now makes them eligible for parole, opening new paths to potential release.

Separate Tracks: Parole vs. Clemency

Before the delay, the June hearing was expected to focus on clemency, not parole eligibility. Governor Gavin Newsom has requested materials including a risk assessment to help determine whether to grant clemency — a decision he can make at any time.

Parole Still a Distant Possibility

Despite their resentencing, the Menendez brothers may still face a long wait for freedom. Parole decisions will ultimately be made by the parole board, and approval could take months or even years, if granted at all.

For more on the Menendez brothers’ case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Russia Attacks Ukraine with Drones After Trump-Putin Call

Que Onda Editorial
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Russia Attacks Ukraine with Drones After Trump-Putin Call

Russia launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine just hours after former President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone.

The assault involved more than 100 drones, according to Ukraine’s air force.

Drone Strikes Continue Despite Peace Talk Hopes

Ukraine reported it shot down 35 of the 108 drones and jammed 58 others. Damage was reported in four regions. Russia claimed it downed eight Ukrainian drones. The nightly cross-border attacks have become more intense and sophisticated over the course of the three-year war.

Trump Pushes for Ceasefire

After the two-hour call, Trump told reporters, “I think something’s going to happen. If I thought President Putin didn’t want this over with, I wouldn’t be talking about it.” He said that Russia and Ukraine would “immediately” resume peace negotiations.

Putin Unmoved on War Demands

Despite Trump’s optimism, Putin’s statement showed no change in stance. He insisted on addressing what he called the “root causes” of the war. Russia still demands Ukraine give up four occupied regions, Crimea, military independence, NATO ambitions, and undergo “denazification”—a baseless justification for the invasion.

Zelenskyy Backs Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also spoke to Trump, affirming Ukraine’s readiness for a full ceasefire. “This is a defining time,” he wrote. He urged global leaders to press Putin toward real peace, warning that delays should be met with tougher sanctions.

Pressure on the Kremlin

Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s peace offer must not be diluted. “If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions,” he said, emphasizing the importance of U.S. involvement in the process. “Russia must end the war it started. Ukraine is always ready for peace.”

Stay tuned for more updates on the Russia-Ukraine war with us on Que Onda Magazine.

Family identifies man who was found stuffed in a box in northwest Harris County, police say

ABC13 Houston
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Family identifies man who was found stuffed in a box in northwest Harris County, police say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A bizarre murder in north Harris County on Friday has devastated a widow and her young children.

Luis Silva Mendez was installing kitchen cabinets in a client’s home when he was killed.

“Pappa, pappa. He’s always calling for his father,” Orfila Sara Lopez said through tears while her 2-year-old son watches. The last time the family saw Luis Silva Mendoza was on Friday morning, as he drove off in his silver F150 truck to do work at a long-time client’s home.

“That morning, he gave me a lot of kisses, and told me he loved me a lot,” Lopez she said in Spanish. “Like he felt something was going to happen.”

Hours later, investigators say Steven Eberly, who lived inside the home on the 4000 block of Tim Allen Drive, would attack and kill Silva. Neighbors say Silva has worked for the home’s owner, described in court documents as Eberly’s girlfriend, on a number of occasions.

Friday’s events took a more bizarre turn when investigators alleged that Eberly, after he killed Silva, found another person to help him move some boxes. Records show that witness saw the body, panicked, then jumped in Silva’s work truck and took off. Eberly apparently jumped in the back of the work trailer.

The truck quickly crashed just a few minutes away from the home. Soon, detectives would find Silva’s body in the box and detain Eberly. He is now charged with murder, and two additional charges.

During his initial probable cause court appearances, prosecutors allege that Eberly stabbed Silva, then tried to throw away the knife as well as Silva’s phone. He’s now being held on a $2 million bond.

“I don’t know what to do. He was the breadwinner,” the widow, who is trying to figure out how to raise a 2-year-old and a 7-year-old all alone, said.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Woman’s ex-boyfriend shot and killed while breaking into her home on Houston’s northside, HPD says

ABC13 Houston
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Woman’s ex-boyfriend shot and killed while breaking into her home on Houston’s northside, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Investigators said a home break-in led to one suspect being killed and another leading police on a high-speed chase on Tuesday.

The Houston Police Department said the series of events started just before 1 a.m. in a neighborhood near Ella and West Gulf Bank.

A woman was with her boyfriend when she called the police, reporting that someone was trying to break into her home.

He told her to go hide in the closet, where she stayed on the phone with the police.

Investigators said two suspects kicked in the door, and the woman’s boyfriend shot and killed one of them.

It turns out that the suspect who was shot was the woman’s ex-boyfriend.

According to authorities, the other suspect took off in a gray Jeep, was spotted by a patrol unit, and led police on a high-speed chase.

The suspect went off road, into a bayou near Frick Road, and was arrested around 1 a.m.

Houston police said the chase reached 100 mph at some point, and a pistol was recovered from the suspect.

According to Lt. JP Horelica, the two people inside the house were not harmed.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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