A tragic incident unfolded in Houston, Texas, when Noel Venero López, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant who had been residing in the United States for three years, was violently killed on May 29 during what appeared to be a robbery attempt. While stopped at a red light, he was approached by a criminal fleeing after a series of accidents and a car theft.
"He was waiting at the red light when a maniac, a drug addict, I don't know, a thief who had just stolen a car and crashed into several others, reached my husband and tried to continue his crime spree. This is unforgivable, and I ask the authorities to charge him appropriately, set aside bureaucracy, and avoid delays in this case," stated his wife, Milay Mora Vásquez, in an interview with Univision.
Anger, Helplessness, and Justice Yet to Be Served
The crime scene spanned three locations along a highway service road, involving vehicle collisions, a shooting, and car theft. The stolen vehicle enabled the identification and subsequent arrest of the suspect, 20-year-old Alexis García, in Corpus Christi. He currently faces charges for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, vehicle theft, and illegal possession of a firearm. Although he is held in Nueces County, his transfer to Harris County is anticipated.
Milay, however, criticizes the lack of a murder charge, which she believes is warranted under the circumstances. "What I want to convey is that, so far, I haven't heard of any murder charges being filed against him. My husband was completely innocent. They know it, everyone knows it," she emphasized. "What are they waiting for to impose murder charges? The most severe charge possible," she questioned anxiously, urging for the full extent of the law to be applied to the perpetrator.
A Loving Father and Cherished Man
Noel left behind two sons: a 19-year-old living in Houston with Milay, and an elder son, aged 30, residing in Cuba. Plans for a reunion with his older son in the Dominican Republic had been in the works, as they had not seen each other in three years. From Cuba, his eldest son mourned, "I couldn't say goodbye to my dad." He recounted that the last communication was a missed call, and by the time he tried to return it, it was too late. Shortly after, Milay called to break the devastating news.
As for the younger son, Milay admitted that while he doesn't openly express his emotions, the loss has been overwhelming: "The family is shattered." Before emigrating, Noel worked at Transtur in Cuba, known for his friendly demeanor and devotion to his loved ones.
Amidst the grief, Milay expressed a poignant wish: "When I die, I want my ashes to be mixed with my husband's." She even confessed, "I wish it had been me." Milay Mora has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to give her husband "a dignified farewell." As of the time this article was written, $6,460 had been raised.
Justice for Noel Venero López: Key Questions
What charges is Alexis García currently facing?
Alexis García is currently charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, vehicle theft, and illegal possession of a firearm.
Why is Milay Mora Vásquez dissatisfied with the charges?
Milay Mora Vásquez is dissatisfied because she believes that Alexis García should also be charged with murder, given the circumstances of her husband's death.
How has the family been affected by Noel's death?
The family is deeply affected, with Milay expressing profound grief and the younger son struggling to cope. The older son in Cuba is also heartbroken, having missed the chance to say goodbye.