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Corpus Christi Caller-Times/USA TODAY Network — Corpus Christi, Texas, USA

Explore a featured selection of my writing from the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, part of the USA TODAY Network, where I currently work as a Breaking News/Public Safety Reporter — writing breaking and enterprise stories on crime, courts, and public safety for the daily newspaper's 11-county coverage area while balancing general assignments, event coverage, and news features as needed.

Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Mike Markle gets warm welcome as Corpus Christi's police chief after short retirement

Mike Markle gets warm welcome as Corpus Christi's police chief after short retirement

Mike Markle was met with a standing ovation Tuesday after being re-appointed as Corpus Christi 's police chief.

Markle, flanked by his wife and mother, was sworn-in by Municipal Court Judge Gail Loeb shortly after the City Council confirmed his re-appointment.

Markle retired in May 2021 after more than 30 years of serving the city to pursue a position in the private sector with Valero’s security team.

In Ju
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Your guide on where to eat, shop in Corpus Christi area on Small Business Saturday

Your guide on where to eat, shop in Corpus Christi area on Small Business Saturday

You've seen all the great Black Friday deals coming to Corpus Christi, but are you still wondering how you can support local Coastal Bend businesses and vendors this holiday season? Don't stress.

The Caller-Times has gathered a list of events and small businesses in the area you can visit during this week's shopping holiday — your Small Business Saturday guide.

Made in Corpus is bringing back the Shop Small Cra
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Kingsville Police Officer Sherman Benys shot in line of duty dies; here's how to help

Kingsville Police Officer Sherman Benys shot in line of duty dies; here's how to help

A veteran Kingsville police officer shot in the line of duty this week has died from his injuries.

Senior Patrolman Sherman Otto Benys Jr. died early Thursday at Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial from a gunshot wound, according to a Facebook post from the Kingsville Police Department.

He was shot on Monday while responding to a domestic dispute in the 300 block of South Wanda.

Police said the investigation o
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Meet the newest member of the Corpus Christi Police Department: K-9 officer Major

Meet the newest member of the Corpus Christi Police Department: K-9 officer Major

The newest and furriest member of the Corpus Christi Police Department was recognized during a badge-pinning ceremony Wednesday.

Senior officer Kyle Simmons introduced his new K-9 partner, Major, a nearly 2-year-old German shepherd from Holland, to local media at a ceremony hosted by Corpus Christi Police Foundation board member Denny Bales onWednesday afternoon.

"It's great, man. He's doing good things, so far,
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

'Our lives are forever changed': Utah man gets life sentence in New Hampshire couple's killing

'Our lives are forever changed': Utah man gets life sentence in New Hampshire couple's killing

KINGSVILLE -- Adam C. Williams, one of the two individuals accused of killing a New Hampshire couple and burying their bodies in a shallow grave on Padre Island in 2019, pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges, including capital murder, Wednesday after striking a deal with state prosecutors.

Williams, 35, appeared before 105th District Court Judge Jack W. Pulcher in shackles and an orange jumpsuit
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Corpus Christi motorists see 7-year high in gas prices

Have you stopped at a gas station recently to fill up your tank?

Did it seem like it hurt your pocketbook a little more than usual?

Motorists in Corpus Christi and nationwide are seeing a seven-year high in gas prices, thanks to a recent surge in the price of crude oil.

The average cost for a gallon of regular gasoline in Corpus Christi has increased over 6 cents in the past week, according to industry website GasBuddy, which tracks fuel prices nationwide.

GasBuddy's daily survey of gas stat
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

'Lock, Take, Hide': CCPD's Auto Theft Task Force unveils holiday crime prevention campaign

Don't want to get "scrooged" this holiday season?

The Corpus Christi Police Department's Auto Theft Task Force says to lock your car doors.

"Right around the holidays — that's when criminal activity starts (to pick up)," said CCPD's Auto Theft Task Force Program Manager Andrew Liaromatis.

That's why the Insurance Council of Texas has once again chosen Corpus Christi to participate in a crime prevention campaign to prevent auto theft and auto burglaries.

CCPD's Auto Theft Task Force has teame
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Mother, four children find independence, but struggle financially after fleeing abuse

Mother, four children find independence, but struggle financially after fleeing abuse

This is how 16-year-old Dominic described his mother, Destiny.

“Smart. Beautiful … and my twin,” added Dominic’s little sister, 10-year-old Esther, looking at her mother and smiling.

It has been a rough year for the family. But, as Destiny would say, it is not without its blessings.

Dominic and Esther, along with their two younger siblings, 4-year-old Billy and 3-year-old Sally, have watched throughout the
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Coastal Bend families honor loved ones lost to violent crime

It's been 13 years since Vilma Garcia lost her daughter Danielle Vargas.

Yet the holidays have never been the same.

"He'll say, 'Grandma, what was she like?'" Vilma said, holding her grandson — Danielle's nephew — 9-year-old Brenden Garcia.

She looked up with tears in her eyes. "He never got to meet his aunt."

Vilma and Brenden were among more than 50 families from across the Coastal Bend who gathered at the Nueces County Courthouse Monday night to remember and honor loved ones lost to viole
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Texas death row inmate files lawsuit to allow pastor to touch him as he dies

Texas death row inmate files lawsuit to allow pastor to touch him as he dies

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A Corpus Christi man set to be executed next month has filed a federal lawsuit against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after being denied his request to have his pastor lay his hands on him as he dies.

John Henry Ramirez alleges in the lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas that the conditions of his scheduled lethal injection execution set
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Teaching about Dr. Hector: Corpus Christi teachers weigh in on critical race theory debate

Teaching about Dr. Hector: Corpus Christi teachers weigh in on critical race theory debate

Gov. Greg Abbott called legislation set to go into effect Sept. 1 "a strong move to abolish critical race theory in Texas." But some educators are worried and confused over what they say is contradictory language in the new law.

The confusion hits home in Corpus Christi when it comes to teaching about one of the city's most prominent historical figures, Dr. Hector P. Garcia.

In June, Abbott signed into
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

John Henry Ramirez had quiet demeanor moments after execution was stayed

John Henry Ramirez had quiet demeanor moments after execution was stayed

Corpus Christi death row inmate John Henry Ramirez was just a few feet away from the Texas death chamber in Huntsville when he learned from prison officials the Supreme Court had granted his request for a stay of execution late Wednesday night.

The reprieve came around 9 p.m., nearly three hours hours after Ramirez, 37, had been scheduled to receive a lethal injection for the 2004 murder of 45-year-old Pablo Castro, a loc
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Historians question Texas' push to promote 'patriotic education' through new laws

Historians question Texas' push to promote 'patriotic education' through new laws

Historians worry that a pair of new state laws are "legislating history" and may suppress the teaching of key events.

"The 1836 Project promotes patriotic education about Texas and ensures that the generations to come understand Texas values," Gov. Greg Abbott proclaimed earlier this month at a signing ceremony for House Bill (HB) 2497 — more commonly referred to as the 'Texas 1836 Project.'

The signing ceremony
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Constitutional Carry law: What do South Texas firearms instructors, law enforcement think?

Constitutional Carry law: What do South Texas firearms instructors, law enforcement think?

Some key South Texas law enforcement personnel and firearms instructors are backing Texans' soon-to-be established right to carry a gun without a permit. But, those supporters and critics of the measure agree, proper training is still necessary.

Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign House Bill 1927 into law — allowing for the unlicensed carrying of handguns in the state after the Senate approved a comprom
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

El Cucuy's daughter reflects on life and legacy of courthouse legend Rene Rodriguez

El Cucuy's daughter reflects on life and legacy of courthouse legend Rene Rodriguez

Kate Rodriguez Treiber watched as the curandera carefully unpacked and arranged a collection of herbs, flowers, incense, holy water, raw eggs, and other objects along the conference table in the front room of the old, three-story house that once served as her father's law offices.

The curandera was there to perform a "limpia," a traditional Mexican folk healer practice and spiritual cleansing ritual often perfo
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Eye of the storm: How scientists learn Hurricane Grace's strengths and weaknesses

Eye of the storm: How scientists learn Hurricane Grace's strengths and weaknesses

The first time Nikki Hathaway flew into the eye of a hurricane, she was just 19-years-old.

"It's kind of like one of those chilling moments, you know?" she recalled. "Like a famous guitar player — you know the first time they step on stage — I'm sure they remember that feeling. It's the same thing. It just felt like ... 'wow.' "

Hathaway, then just an undergraduate student at Florida State University, had been i
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Permitless carry is the law of the land, but handgun training, licenses offer advantages

Permitless carry is the law of the land, but handgun training, licenses offer advantages

Kenneth Lease watched as a group of students — all decked out in protective eye gear and ear plugs and muffs — stepped up to form a line in front of the shooting targets placed before them.

The group, made up of six men and women, slowly raised and pointed their handguns at the targets.

The sound of gunshots reverberated through the still morning air as each student squeezed the trigger. Smoke briefly fil
Corpus Christi Caller Times •

Nueces County Sheriff J.C. Hooper is a former Oath Keeper. What does that mean?

Nueces County Sheriff J.C. Hooper is a former Oath Keeper. What does that mean?

Editor’s note: This reporting was cited in an article by Rolling Stone on Nov. 15, 2021.

Nueces County Sheriff J.C. Hooper acknowledged he was once a member of the Oath Keepers, though the longtime law enforcement officer suggested the organization has gotten “a bad rap in the media” as an extremist anti-government group.

Multiple members of the Oath Keepers have been indicted and five have pleaded guilty for thei

KXAN News/NBC Affiliate — Austin, Texas, USA

Explore a featured selection of my writing from KXAN News, the Austin, Texas NBC Affiliate, where I worked two semesters as a Politics Intern — assisting in the production of the station’s weekly, statewide political show, “State of Texas: In-Depth,” and writing for the station’s digital production team.

KXAN Austin •

Incumbent Bucy re-elected to Texas House District 136

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Incumbent Democratic State Representative John Bucy III defended his seat against Republican challenger Mike Guevara in Texas State House District 136.

Bucy received 53,461 (53.3%) of the vote, while Guevara got 43,217 (43.1%) and Libertarian Brian Elliott received 3,627 (3.6%).

Bucy, a small business owner, made headlines in 2018 for defeating former Republican State Representative Tony Dale, who had previously held the seat since 2018.

Guevara, who is a longtime Hill Country
KXAN Austin •

Mike Gleason says voters sent ‘big message’ as they oust Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody

AUSTIN (KXAN) — In the race for Williamson County Sheriff, retired Williamson County Sheriff Assistant Chief Deputy Mike Gleason received 56% of the vote to defeat incumbent Robert Chody.

Gleason, who never worked under Chody, received more than 152,400 votes to claim the win.

“I gotta go to work,” Gleason told KXAN’s Jody Barr. Gleason is the first Democrat to hold the top law enforcement job in the county since the 1980s.

“I think they [the voters] sent a big message that no matter how much
KXAN Austin •

Incumbent Talarico defeats challenger Valdez for Texas House District 52

Talarico had 50,046 (51.4%) votes and Valdez had 47,252 (48.6%).

Talarico, a former middle school teacher, has served in the Texas State House of Representatives since 2018 and remains the youngest lawmaker in state history to be elected to that legislative body.

Valdez, a police and military veteran, previously served a three-year term on the Hutto City Council.

Texas House District 52 is located north of Austin and encompasses part of Williamson County.
KXAN Austin •

Prop C: Pflugerville voters approve $47.3 million recreation project

PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — Pflugerville voters approved a $47.3 million project to develop a recreation and senior center on Election Day.

In all, 14,738 (57.2%) voted for the proposition and 11,047 (42.8%) voted against it.

The vote for Proposition C comes after recommendations from the 2020 Capital Improvement Bond Committee and is a part of a larger $191 million bond package.

At present, the average Pflugerville home is around $258,000 and under the current tax rate, Prop C would cost ho
KXAN Austin •

Prop A: Pflugerville voters approve $101.7 million transportation project

The vote for Proposition A comes after recommendations from the 2020 Capital Improvement Bond Committee, and is a part of a larger $191 million bond package.

A total of 17,958 (68.2%) people voted for the proposition and 8,376 (31.8%) voted against it.

Proposition A, itself, was initially supposed be decided by voters in May, but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Projects have remained the same for the transportation bond,” explained Amy Giannini, the assistant city manager f
KXAN Austin •

Prop B: Pflugerville voters approve $42.3 million city parks project

PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — On Election Day, Pflugerville voters approved a proposition that would put $42.3 million into city parks.

A total of 17,297 (65.9%) voted for it and 8,933 (34.1%) voted against it.

The vote for Proposition B comes after recommendations from the 2020 Capital Improvement Bond Committee, and is a part of a larger $191 million bond package.

At present, the average Pflugerville home is around $258,000 and under the current tax rate, Prop B would cost homeowners $42.26.
KXAN Austin •

John Cornyn wins re-election against MJ Hegar in U.S. Senate Race

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn won re-election against Democrat MJ Hegar in a heated Texas U.S. Senate Race.

Cornyn’s campaign said Hegar called to concede around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night.

“Whether I earned your vote or whether you were pulling from my opponent, I’m honored and committed to serving and representing all Texans,” Cornyn said.

“My goal is your United States Senator is simple. Continue to make Texas a place of exceptional opportunity for all. In the ne
KXAN Austin •

State of Texas: TWC contractor reveals call center problems; Senate candidates prepare for debate

AUSTIN (Nexstar) – Imagine showing up to a job where you know that almost 75% of what you do will fail someone. What if a fireman failed to help someone in three out of four fire calls? What if a police officer failed to help clear three out of four 911 calls?

That’s what a contractor helping field calls for the Texas Workforce Commission told us was going on inside some of the agency’s call centers. The contractor, who asked to not be identified in this report, told KXAN the problem facing nea
KXAN Austin •

Meet the candidates running for Austin City Council District 4

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Candidates for District 4 of Austin City Council joined the League of Women Voters’ virtual forum last week to discuss their platforms and answer community questions.

League of Women Voters’ Board Member Carol Eckelkamp led the candidates through a series of topics, including the 10-1 council structure, homelessness, police funding and infrastructure. The candidates are running to earn the North-Central Austin district’s vote on Nov. 3.

Participants included incumbent Greg Casa
KXAN Austin •

‘He’s done a remarkable job’: Ted Cruz has high praise for Attorney General Barr

AUSTIN (Nexstar) – “I think he’s done a remarkable job of staying faithful to the rule of law.”

Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, had nothing but high praise for Attorney General William Barr during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper early Friday afternoon as a part of this year’s Texas Tribune Festival.

Cruz’s praise came amid pressure from Tapper, who had referenced some of the recent controversial statements made by Barr; including statements regarding his right, as the attorney general, to guide
KXAN Austin •

‘Just common sense’: Willie and Annie Nelson discuss cannabis, politics and more at Texas Tribune Festival

That’s how Willie Nelson described being unable to play concerts at a virtual panel earlier Thursday afternoon.

However, he also went on to say, “The last thing I would wanna do is have a concert and have a lot of people come out and get sick. I don’t want that to happen. And however long it takes to get back to normal… we’ll wait.”

Willie was of course, referring to himself and his wife, Annie, who was also present at the virtual panel held as a part of this year’s Texas Tribune Festival.

An
KXAN Austin •

State of Texas: Governor’s response to the coronavirus; Biden’s big win in Texas

AUSTIN (Nexstar) – Governor Greg Abbott announced improvements to the state’s testing laboratories Thursday, after a man in Fort Bend county tested positive for the coronavirus. Texas currently has six laboratories capable of testing for the coronavirus, with four more planned to come online by the end of the month.

“The state lab can perform approximately tests for 26 patients a day, Houston and El Paso can perform tests for approximately 15 people per day, Dallas and Lubbock can perform tests
KXAN Austin •

New poll shows Texans are concerned with affordable housing, homelessness

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The Texas Lyceum recently released its new, statewide “Housing Affordability in Texas” poll, and the results show Texans are becoming increasingly concerned with affordable housing and homelessness.

According to Joshua Blank, a research director with The Texas Politics Project who helped oversee the new Lyceum poll, the goal of the poll was to figure out how Texans really feel about housing and affordability.

“We always talk about… abstract concepts like median household inc
KXAN Austin •

State of Texas: Democrats press Secretary of State to prevent Iowa-like delays in Texas primary

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — With the Texas Democratic primary election less than one month away, Texas Democrats are worried results may not be available on election day, March 3, much like what happened in Iowa earlier this week.

The Texas Secretary of State’s office signaled to the Texas Democratic Party on Jan. 23 officials may not have results on election night because of a revamped reporting system according to the Texas Tribune.

The Texas Secretary of State’s office sent an email to the Tribune W
KXAN Austin •

Heidi Sloan seeks to tackle homelessness, affordable housing in Congress

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The issues of homelessness and affordable housing have been hot topics here in Austin the past couple of months, and one local candidate, Democratic-Socialist Heidi Sloan, is looking to tackle these issues in Congress.

Sloan, who is running for Congress in District 25, is a former public school teacher who was first inspired to become politically active after working as a farmer at Community First! Village, a housing community developed by Mobile Loaves and Fishes, with the g
KXAN Austin •

Julie Oliver aims for a rematch in U.S. Congressional District 25 race

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Two years after failing to unseat incumbent Representative Roger Williams in a closer-than-expected election, Democrat Julie Oliver is back on the campaign trail running for Congress in House District 25.

Reflecting on the 2018 election, Oliver says, “We did the work. We moved something that was supposed to be a 20 point margin in Roger Williams’ favor and we shaved 12 percentage points off of that, putting it within striking distance.”

However, Oliver says, “there’s still w

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