Click It or Ticket: Law Enforcement Cracks Down on Unbelted Drivers

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is intensifying efforts to encourage seat belt use among drivers and passengers through the 'Click It or Ticket' campaign. Starting May 18, law enforcement will increase patrols to enforce seat belt laws, which require all occupants to buckle up or face fines up to $200. In 2025, 965 unbuckled individuals died in traffic accidents in Texas. TxDOT emphasizes that wearing a seat belt can be the difference between life and death. Since 2002, the campaign has saved over 8,600 lives and prevented numerous injuries, promoting safe driving habits across the state.

Unidentified Remains Found in the Case of Child Noel Rodríguez in Texas

TEXAS – Authorities stated that there will be justice for child Noel Rodríguez, but first they must confirm the identity of the human remains found in the backyard of the home in Everman, Tarrant County, where he lived until his disappearance in November 2022. In a press conference, they explained that the investigation will continue, and it will be the county's Medical Examiner's office that will conduct the identification. However, the process will take some time. When asked by the media, authorities mentioned that they would not share further details to avoid hindering the investigation. They believe the remains found will significantly help in resolving this case and hope for justice to be served. On Wednesday, staff from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office and FBI agents returned to the backyard of the residence to continue the excavation they had left off four years ago. They explained that trained dogs had sniffed certain areas, which is where they focused until they found the remains. Images taken from our Telemundo 39 helicopter captured the moment officials placed a 'material' wrapped in a blue tarp into a truck. The vehicle left the residence and stopped at the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office. Authorities indicated that the investigation is active. RETURNING TO EVERMAN AFTER 4 YEARS The search took place on Tuesday around a home located on Wisteria Drive following the alleged murder of the minor, Noel Rodríguez, in the Everman area. Everman Police Chief Al Brooks told Telemundo 39/NBC 5 that the search in the 3700 block of Wisteria Drive constitutes another phase of the investigation into the disappearance of Noel Rodríguez and charges of his murder against the child's mother, Cindy Rodríguez. According to Brooks, there are no new leads or information that led them to this location, but on Tuesday investigators were seen reviewing and excavating in the backyard of a home. On Tuesday, investigators were observed conducting searches and excavations in the backyard of a residence. NBC 5 teams reported seeing a vehicle from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office, along with FBI personnel. Rodríguez, 6 years old, was reported missing for the first time in 2023, according to police. However, the investigation also indicated that he was last seen in the fall of 2022. In April 2026, a psychiatric evaluation indicated that Cindy Rodríguez Singh is incompetent to stand trial, according to records from a district court.

Authorities Seek Suspect for Scratching Vehicle in Brownsville

Brownsville police are searching for a suspect who intentionally scratched a victim's vehicle during a parking dispute. The incident was captured on surveillance cameras, and authorities warn that while parking spaces are temporary, criminal charges are not. They urge anyone who recognizes the suspect to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 546-tips or submit information anonymously at www.p3tips.com.

Mercedes man charged with murder in connection with fentanyl overdose

A 28-year-old man from Mercedes, Bryan Alexis Cedillo, has been charged with murder following a fentanyl overdose incident. The Weslaco Police Department reported that Cedillo delivered fentanyl-laced drugs to a 25-year-old man who was found dead on February 14, 2026, in the 600 block of Park Place. Cedillo faces multiple charges, including possession of a controlled substance and abandonment of a child, with a bond set at over $1.5 million. During his arrest, police seized fentanyl, marijuana, THC products, Xanax tablets, and drug packaging materials from his home. Authorities warn the community about the dangers of illegal narcotics.

Attorneys for Ramon Ayala respond to sexual assault lawsuits filed against him and his son

Ramon Ayala Jr. faces a fourth sexual assault lawsuit, with three former band members accusing him of repeated harassment and assault during a 2024-2025 tour. Allegations include drug and alcohol abuse, inappropriate exposure, and sexual misconduct. Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing the plaintiffs, called for an investigation, stating they possess evidence to support their claims. Meanwhile, Ayala Sr.'s legal team held a press conference to counter the accusations, claiming the lawsuits are baseless and a 'shakedown.' They presented a recording where one accuser denied witnessing any abuse. No hearing date for the lawsuits has been set yet.

Man accused of scratching car over parking spot

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Brownsville Police Department is asking for the public's assistance to identify a man accused of scratching a vehicle after a dispute over a parking spot. A spokesperson for the Brownsville Police Department said the unidentified man is facing a charge of criminal mischief. Police publicly shared surveillance images of the man

Police: Man found dead in Harlingen hotel, foul play not suspected

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man was found dead at a Harlingen hotel on Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for the Harlingen Police Department. Harlingen police say the man was found in his room at the Hampton Inn, located off Ed Carey Drive. No foul play is suspected at this time. An autopsy has been

Highway renamed to honor slain San Benito Lieutenant Milton Resendez

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Family and first responders gathered in San Benito on Tuesday for the unveiling of a highway renamed to honor a slain San Benito police lieutenant. A portion of Sam Houston Street was renamed to the Lieutenant Milton Resendez Memorial Highway. Resendez was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 17,

Starr County families awarded over $1 billion in wrongful death lawsuit following Pecos plant explosion

Two families from Starr County have been awarded over $1 billion in a wrongful death lawsuit following a tragic explosion at a Pecos chemical plant in October 2023 that claimed the lives of Angel Alaffa and Reinaldo Garcia Pena. The jury found Upton Assets LLC, the plant's owner, fully responsible for failing to provide a safe working environment, as OSHA standards were not met. Attorney Matthew McMullen emphasized the importance of worker safety and urged others in the Rio Grande Valley to report unsafe conditions. The families sought justice for the loss of their loved ones, and the verdict reflects the jury's commitment to workers' rights.

WATCH: Ramon Ayala responds to sexual assault lawsuits filed against him and his son

Ramon Ayala and his son, Ramon Ayala Jr., face multiple sexual assault lawsuits, with a fourth expected to be filed soon. Three former band members have accused Ayala Jr. of repeated sexual assault and harassment during the band's tours from 2024 to 2025. Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing the plaintiffs, called for an investigation, stating they have evidence to support their claims. During a press conference, one former crew member shared his traumatic experience, while Ayala Sr. announced he would also hold a press conference to respond, describing the lawsuits as a media attack aimed at coercing a settlement. Ayala Sr. expressed his emotional distress during the event.

McAllen approves new emergency alert system to reach all residents

McAllen is implementing a new emergency alert system designed to send notifications directly to residents' phones during critical situations such as hurricanes and tornadoes. The city council approved the system, which will cost approximately $40,000 annually. Jeff Johnston, the Assistant City Manager and Emergency Management Coordinator, stated that the system can broadcast alerts citywide or target specific neighborhoods, and it will also share updates on social media. Additionally, the system has the capability to override cellphones for urgent notifications. McAllen aims to have the system operational within the next few weeks.

Murder suspect in custody, to be arraigned: Weslaco police

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A murder suspect is in custody and is expected to appear before a judge on Wednesday, according to the Weslaco Police Department. The arraignment is expected to take place at 12 p.m. Weslaco police said details about the case will be provided after the court hearing. ValleyCentral will livestream the arraignment

Homicide Case: Weslaco Police Provide Details on Formal Charges

The Police Department announced that a hearing will be held regarding charges against a homicide suspect in the city of Weslaco. The appearance is scheduled for noon at the Police Department Office, located at 300 South Bridge Street. According to preliminary information, authorities are expected to provide more details about the case once the hearing concludes, which can be followed live on our website and TELEMUNDO 40's digital platforms.

Law Firm Reports on Lawsuit Against Ramón Ayala's Musical Group

According to information provided by The Buzbee Law Firm, the cases were filed by several plaintiffs identified as 'John Does,' who claim to have been victims of inappropriate conduct by a member of the band Los Bravos del Norte. It is important to note that the lawsuits also indicate that other band members, as well as related entities, were aware of the incidents and did not act to stop them, which, according to the legal documents, allowed the conduct to continue. The law firm stated that a press conference is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., and it can be followed live on all digital platforms of TELEMUNDO 40.

Counselor Who Supplied Fatal Dose of Ketamine to Matthew Perry Faces Sentencing

An addiction counselor who provided 'Friends' actor Matthew Perry with the ketamine doses that led to his death is set to be sentenced on Wednesday. Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison term for Erik Fleming, 56, one of five individuals who pleaded guilty in connection with the actor's death in 2023, which occurred in the jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home. Fleming connected Perry with Jasveen Sangha, the convicted drug dealer whom prosecutors dubbed 'the ketamine queen.' She was sentenced last month to 15 years in prison. Defense attorneys are requesting a three-month jail sentence and nine months in a residential drug treatment center, arguing in a sentencing memo that Fleming 'has made extreme efforts to amend his criminal behavior.' Fleming turned over Sangha to investigators as soon as he was contacted and, in August 2024, became the first defendant to plead guilty, admitting to a charge of ketamine distribution resulting in death, even before arrests in the case were announced. He will be the fourth defendant in the case to be sentenced in the federal courtroom of Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett in Los Angeles. This will be his first court appearance since his role in the case became public.

SpaceX Targets May 19 for New Starship Launch

As part of the preparations for the twelfth test flight of its Starship rocket, SpaceX reminds that the date may change depending on various technical and weather factors. This upcoming launch is part of the ongoing development of the Starship system, which is considered key for future space missions, including lunar exploration and trips to Mars. SpaceX announced that it will establish a safety perimeter in coordination with local authorities, measures aimed at ensuring the safety of the public and personnel during the launch. Local authorities, through the city of Starbase, will be issuing public notices regarding beach and road closures. Additionally, interested individuals can receive updates by texting the word 'BEACH' to 1-866-513-3475.

"I'm going to shoot you in the head": Legal documents name woman in assault case

Jessica Quintanilla, 38, faces a felony charge following an incident on April 26 in rural Edinburg, according to court documents from the 4th Judicial District in Hidalgo County. The victims, Samantha Rincón and Jonathan García, reported that they were aggressively followed by Mark Quintanilla, who blocked their path. Jessica exited the vehicle and received a black handgun from Mark, which she tucked into her waistband. She allegedly threatened, "I’m going to shoot you in the head," prompting fears for the victims' safety. Video evidence corroborates their statements, and the investigation continues as authorities establish probable cause for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Authorities Seek to Identify Woman in Brownsville Truck Theft

The Brownsville Police Department is investigating the theft of a 2024 Ford F-150 truck. Authorities are seeking a woman considered a person of interest in the case. They urge anyone who recognizes her or has relevant information to contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 546-TIPS or submit tips through the website www.p3tips.com. The investigation is ongoing as they work to gather more details about the incident.

Alamo man charged with whipping stepchild