More than 230,000 people sympathize with Texas brothers after facing life imprisonment for killing their stepfather, who sexually abused their 9-year-old sister.
A petition reached over 230,000 signatures to release Alejandro Trevino, 18, Christian Trevino, 17, and their friend Juan Eduardo Melendez, 18. The brothers became “enraged” after learning of the allegation against their stepdad, Gabriel Quintanilla, 42.
The brothers and Melendez met with Quintanilla, fought at a trailer park then later had a physical confrontation in an apartment complex that resulted in Quintanilla’s initial severe injuries and death.
Once the three teens left the apartment complex, they returned and saw Quintanilla walking alone on the road. He was beaten to death with brass knuckles.
New York Post reports they were arrested for “allegedly pummeling their stepfather to death.”
Quintanilla had a recent arrest warrant for sexually abusing another child in the past but was accused of touching his 9-year-old daughter inappropriately.
Melendez and Christian Trevino face capital murder and aggravated assault charges, while Alejandro faces aggravated assault and engaging in organized criminal activity.
According to the online petition that will make Change.org’s top signed petition at 300,000, “two brothers along with their friend beat their sister’s stepfather to death after finding out he was SA (sexually abusing) her. They took justice for their nine-year-old sister and are now facing capital murder. Texas needs to step up.”
The petition has reached 245k signatures so far.
