Housekeeper acquitted in death of 71-year-old man in McAllen

HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Hidalgo County jury on Monday found a McAllen woman not guilty in the death of a 71-year-old man.

Adriana Aleman went on trial on Oct. 27 in connection with the death of Homero Longoria. According to court records, Aleman worked as a housekeeper for Longoria at his McAllen home in January 2022.

Police said they were called to the home on 34th Street in McAllen on Jan. 28 in reference to a deceased man. Aleman told authorities that “she defended herself… she had to choke him…he is not okay…not alive.”

Aleman was arrested by McAllen police on Jan. 29 and booked on the charge of murder.

Aleman told police a struggle developed between her and Longoria, and “she did what she had to do,” according to police at the time.

On Monday, jurors returned with a not guilty verdict. Aleman was released from Hidalgo County jail on Wednesday, jail records show.

Aleman had been confined to the county jail since Jan. 29, 2022.

One of Aleman's attorneys, Ricardo L. Salinas, said his client feels terrible about losing three years and nine months of her life.

During the trial, Salinas said he felt Aleman was being trampled by the legal system.