POLICE Department
Investigation into Fatal Crash at 7000 Beechnut Street
July 18, 2022 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal crash at 7000 Beechnut Street about 3:25 a.m. on Saturday (July 16).
The suspect, Elvia Y. Castillo Martinez, 22, is charged with intoxication manslaughter in the 263rd State District Court. A booking photo of Martinez is attached to this news release.
The identity of the male victim, 36, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant G. Clark and Officer J. Murphy reported:
A male was driving a black Mercury GT5 southbound on the Southwest Freeway when his vehicle was side-swiped from behind by a black Mazda CV5, driven by Castillo Martinez. The male and his passenger followed Castillo-Martinez as she exited the freeway and came to a stop at a light at in the 7000 block of Beechnut Street.
The male and his passenger pulled up next to Castillo Martinez's vehicle and tried to get her attention. The male then pulled his vehicle in front of Castillo Martinez and the passenger exited the vehicle. As the passenger attempted to exchange information with Castillo Martinez, the light turned green and she immediately drove off and struck the male.
Castillo Martinez continued driving at a high rate of speed on Beechnut and then struck a sidewalk and a parked vehicle. Castillo Martinez then pulled out of a private driveway and fled the scene without providing medical assistance. Houston Fire Department paramedics transported the male to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased,
Castillo-Martinez was arrested a short time later and subsequently charged for her role in the crash.
Elvia Y. Castillo Martinez
VHS/SOA 7-18-22
Inc. #094126922-N
For additional information, please contact the HPD Office of Community Affairs at 713-308-3200.
