Rio Hondo man gets 50 years for murder

By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

Eric Christopher Gonzalez

Eric Christopher Gonzalez

BROWNSVILLE – The 13th Court of Appeals affirmed the June 2013 murder conviction and sentence of Rio Hondo resident Eric Christopher Gonzalez, who struck and killed a woman and severely injured her husband in a 2011 motor vehicle collision while Gonzalez was evading Harlingen police.

According to a statement released by the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office, “Gonzalez had challenged his convictions for murder, aggravated assault, evading arrest and possession of a controlled substance, but were all affirmed on Aug. 13 in a 32-page document.”

Gonzalez’ legal representative, Brian W. Wice of Houston had argued the following: ineffectiveness of counsel; errors in jury instruction; errors in admission of evidence; and illegal searches.

On the morning of March 24, 2011, Harlingen police attempted to stop Gonzalez, 34, for a traffic violation. The report further states, “Gonzalez instead took law enforcement on a high-speed chase that tragically ended at the intersection of Ed Carey and Hwy. 77 in Harlingen, where he passed a red light and hit the victim’s car.”

Maria D. Osornio, 44, was sitting in the passenger seat while her husband Javier Osornio, 50, was driving. Osornio was pronounced dead at the hospital while her husband sustained major injuries. The couple was reportedly one-week away from celebrating five years of marriage.

“We are very pleased with Court’s decision,” said District Attorney Luis V. Saenz. “The victim’s family suffered tremendously and continues to be impacted by Gonzalez’ actions.”

Gonzalez was found guilty of and sentenced for the following: Murder, 50 years; aggravated assault, 20 years; evading arrest, 20 years; and possession of marijuana, two years. Representatives from the DA’s office have stated, “All sentences shall run concurrently.”

Investigators have stated Gonzalez never asked about the victims’ state of health although he “made repeated requests for his wallet.”

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2014/08/15/rio-hondo-man-gets-50-years-for-murder/

2 comments

    • SB citizen on August 17, 2014 at 6:09 pm
    • Reply

    Good, he took someones mother, daughter away because he wanted to get away with the drugs he was going to sell. He should of just pulled over when he had the chance and got a lesser charge of possession. Now he will have plenty of time to think about this mistake.

      • ilyse on January 31, 2020 at 9:24 pm
      • Reply

      that’s my dad

Leave a Reply to SB citizen Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.