Houston Woman Charged With Murder in Fatal Antoine Drive Crash

HOUSTON, Texas — A Houston woman has been arrested and charged with murder after investigators determined she intentionally struck a man with a vehicle and fled the scene, according to the Houston Police Department.

Martha Alicia Oliva Padilla, 41, is charged with murder in the 179th State District Court and failure to stop and render aid causing death in the 228th State District Court.

The identity of the 38-year-old victim has not yet been released pending notification of family members by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

According to Houston Police Department Homicide Division investigators, officers were patrolling the area near 6300 Antoine Drive at approximately 7:45 a.m. on June 18 when they were flagged down by individuals reporting a man lying in the roadway.

Houston Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

Witnesses told investigators the vehicle involved was a black Honda SUV.

Officers searched the area and located a damaged black Honda SUV in a nearby apartment complex. The vehicle was still running when officers found it. Investigators also recovered additional evidence that helped identify the driver and determine her location.

Authorities later located Padilla at another nearby apartment complex.

According to witness statements, Padilla and the victim had been involved in an argument before the incident. Investigators learned the victim had attempted to remove the battery from their vehicle when Padilla entered the SUV and began driving.

Police allege Padilla struck the victim with the vehicle and then fled the scene.

Padilla was taken into custody and booked into the Harris County Jail.

The investigation remains ongoing.