Texas brothers, friend allegedly beat stepfather to death for inappropriately touching 9-year-old sister

PHARR, Texas (TCD) -- Two teenage brothers and their friend were arrested in connection with the beating death of their stepfather.

According to KRGV-TV, on Thursday, Jan. 20, 42-year-old Gabriel Quintanilla’s body was found dumped in an open field in McAllen. In a press conference, Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey said on Jan. 21, detectives met with one of Quintanilla’s stepsons, 18-year-old Alejandro Trevino, at an RV park located on the 1200 block of E. Moore.

Investigators reportedly learned that there had been a physical altercation between Alejandro and his stepfather over Quintanilla allegedly inappropriately touching his 9-year-old half-sister. The 9-year-old, according to Harvey, was Quintanilla’s biological daughter.

According to Harvey, there had been a second physical altercation with Quintanilla, involving Alejandro, his 17-year-old brother Christian Trevino, and their friend, 18-year-old Juan Melendez, all against Quintanilla. Harvey said it is believed that brass knuckles were used to beat him. It is believed that Quintanilla was conscious after the second beating, and that the three suspects left.

According to KRGV, the three suspects switched vehicles and drove back. The three reportedly found an injured Quintanilla walking alone. Then, according to Harvey, they beat him to the point of unconsciousness.

After beating him, the suspects kidnapped Quintanilla, reportedly placed him in the bed of a truck, and dropped him off in the open field where he was found. According to Harvey, it is believed that Quintanilla was still alive when he was dumped on the field. KRGV reports that Quintanilla suffered severe head trauma.

According to KRGV, Alejandro was charged with aggravated assault and engaging in organized criminal activity. Christian and Melendez were charged with aggravated assault, capital murder, and engaging in criminal activity.

MORE: