Texas Brothers Accused of Beating Stepfather to Death For Allegedly Sexually Abusing Their 9-Year-Old Sister

Pharr police released details on Sunday regarding the arrest of three teens accused of severely beating their stepfather to death and dumping his body in a field in McAllen.

Detectives arrested brothers Alejandro (18) and Christian Trevino (17) along with Juan Eduardo Melendez (18) for beating 42-year-old Gabriel Quintanilla to death.

Reports indicate Quintanilla was found with apparent severe blunt force trauma to his head.

Police stated a minor, later identified as the 9-year-old sister of Alejandro and Christian Trevino, made an outcry about being inappropriately touched by Quintanilla at an RV park.

Police: Pharr brothers beat stepfather to death for abusing sister | #RGV https://t.co/unhhRbhZXE pic.twitter.com/QIh3pQugyy

— The Monitor (@monitornews) January 23, 2022

The stepfather had a warrant for continuous sexual abuse of a child and assault family violence at the time of his death. https://t.co/ic49YazElh

— KSAT 12 (@ksatnews) January 24, 2022

Texas police say the teens beat their stepfather to death after hearing he had allegedly sexually abused their 9-year-old little sister https://t.co/FRWlIjGfS3

— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) January 26, 2022

I don’t see a problem here. pic.twitter.com/C4ZqMzHwDn

— Mr. Potato Head ⚡️ (@America1Scotty) January 26, 2022

Free these heros, anyone that sexually abuses kids deserve this and worse. https://t.co/QJgvOHRh8y

— Juan Velazquez (@Juan_EVelazquez) January 25, 2022

KRGV wrote:

“When brothers Alejandro and Christian Trevino found out, they became enraged and confronted Gabriel Quintanilla at the residence. A physical fight ensued between the three and the victim Quintanilla left the location on foot,” according to a news release from the Pharr Police Department.

Police say Christian Trevino chased Quintanilla to an apartment complex down the road, where a second assault occurred involving Alejandro Trevino and the driver of a red Dodge Charger, identified as Juan Eduardo Melendez.

The three suspects then left the location, changed vehicles and drove back, where they found Quintanilla walking alone and injured, according to Pharr police.

Police say a third assault then occurred. Quintanilla was severely beaten with brass knuckles and suffered severe head trauma, police said.

Quintanilla was then placed in the bed of the truck and dropped off in a field in McAllen. Police believe Quintanilla may have still been alive at the time when he was dropped off.

“This investigation was complex having multiple scenes. I am proud of how our detectives were able to put the pieces together in such a short time,” Pharr police Chief Andy Harvey said in a statement.

MyRGV added:

Alejandro is charged with aggravated assault and engaging in organized criminal activity while Christian and Melendez are charged with capital murder, aggravated assault and engaging in organized criminal activity.

In addition, Melendez is also facing a possession of marijuana charge.

Deputy Chief Juan Gonzalez said that Alejandro is not charged with capital murder because his brother and Melendez are the ones accused of dealing the fatal blows.

Quintanilla is Alejandro and Christian’s stepfather. Both brothers have different mothers and are half siblings of the child.

The three teens were arraigned Sunday on the following charges:

• Alejandro Trevino – Aggravated Assault FV and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity
• Christian Trevino – Aggravated Assault FV and Capital Murder, Engaging In Criminal Activity
• Juan Eduardo Melendez – Capital Murder, Aggravated Assault,  and Engaging in Criminal Activity

Pharr police said Quintanilla had an arrest warrant for continuous sexual abuse of a child and assault family violence in an unrelated case.

What do YOU think?

Should the boys face charges or be freed immediately?