By ALEXANDREA BAILEY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
According to Cameron County court records, Jesse Edward Leatherwood, 47-year-old resident of McAllen, was charged with vehicular manslaughter in connection with the fatal crash that took Constable Ruben
Garcia’s life.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety [DPS] the crash occurred on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at approximately 6:45 p.m. on State Highway 48 near Marine Way Road, in Brownsville.
According to DPS, Garcia’s patrol unit was parked on State Highway 48 while he assisted with another crash scene at said location. Garcia occupied the vehicle, about to leave, when a white Chevrolet Silverado,
driven by Leatherwood, rear-ended the patrol unit. According to Cameron County Constable Precinct One [CCCPO], immediate effort was made to save Garcia’s life. However, he passed shortly after being
transported to Valley Regional Hospital in Brownsville, Texas.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Garcia’s family, titled: Support the Family of a Fallen Hero and can be found at gofundme.com
It states “No one can truly prepare for something like this. One day we’re praying for another family, and the next it’s one of our own friends, neighbors and colleagues in need. We humbly ask for your help in
supporting Ruben’s family during this unimaginable time. All funds raised will go directly to his wife and children to help them navigate through this difficult journey. Please consider donating, sharing or simply
keeping them in your prayers.”
Ed Carey Drive to Pease Street in Harlingen shut down midday for Garcia’s escort from Valley Baptist in Harlingen to the funeral home on Monday, Oct. 8.