Man accused in death of Cameron County deputy constable in court Monday

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Testimonies are underway in the 445th district court for the sentencing of Jesse Edward Leatherwood, the driver accused of crashing into a Cameron County Constable unit and killing the deputy constable inside.

 Leatherwood, a 47-year-old McAllen resident, is charged with intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle, according to Cameron County records.

Jesse Edward Leatherwood (Source: Cameron County Inmate List)

The fatal crash took place before 6:45 p.m. Sept. 30, 2024 on State Highway 48 near Marine Way Road in Brownsville.

Ruben Garcia, Cameron County Precinct 1 Deputy Constable, was sitting is his patrol unit parked on State Highway 48 when a white Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Leatherwood, crashed into him from behind.

According to a post from the Cameron County Constable Precinct 5, Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia from Precinct 1 has died. Photo Courtesy: Port Isabel Police Department

Garcia was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

Leatherwood was also hospitalized due to injuries he sustained in the crash. He was suspected of driving under the influence, and Magistrate Leonardo Rincones signed a search warrant for a blood draw.

On Jan. 16 he pleaded not guilty to his charges and ordered a waiver of arraignment.

In October of 2024 he was issued a $355,00 bond. In January Leatherwoods attorney, Ed Stapleton, filed a motion to set a reasonable bond for his client. A judge denied the bond reduction.

Monday morning update

On Monday, the state filed a response to Leatherwood's legal team objection to the jury instruction on penalty enhancement.

According to legal records, obtained by ValleyCentral, on Monday morning Leatherwoods legal team submitted an objection to jury instruction on a penalty, stating that the instructions omit a required mens rea, the intention or knowledge of wrongdoing.

The defendant's team argues that the proposed instructions fail to require the jury to find that Leatherwood knew the victim was a peace officer in the actual discharge of his official duties.

In repose, the state prays that the defendant's filing was untimely to the court and jury.

"Defendant erroneously contends that, as submitted, the Charge failed to 'require the jury
to find that the defendant knew the victim was a peace officer in the actual discharge of official
duties,'" the state wrote.

However, the state argues it does not require acknowledgment that Leatherwood knew the unit he crashed into carried a deputy constable.

ValleyCentral is in the courtroom and will continue to provide updates throughout the day.