18-year-old run over at gas station dies, TX cops say. Driver accused of murder

An 18-year-old was run over and killed outside a Texas gas station, leading to a murder charge issued against an SUV driver, authorities say.

Officers in Socorro, a suburb of El Paso, were called to a Petro Travel Center in the early morning hours of April 20 for a report of “a fight in progress,” according to a news release from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

When police arrived, witnesses told them the driver of a gray SUV had run over another man, the sheriff’s office said.

The victim, 18-year-old Leonel Monarrez, was taken to a hospital by other individuals before police arrived, according to deputies. Monarrez was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation, and deputies identified Abraham Alvarado, 20, as the SUV driver, authorities said.

Alvarado was charged with murder and aggravated assault, the sheriff said, adding that he was jailed on a $650,000 bond.

A motive for the alleged attack is unclear.

Authorities said an investigation is on going.

This story was originally published April 21, 2025 at 2:42 PM with the headline "18-year-old run over at gas station dies, TX cops say. Driver accused of murder."