Court records say two children were inside the car during the fatal incident.
HOUSTON, Texas — A Houston woman has been charged with murder after police said she ran over and dragged a man who had been working under a vehicle Thursday morning in northwest Houston.
Martha Padilla is accused in the death of Luis Adrian Zepeda Lopez, who investigators said was her boyfriend or common-law husband. Court records also charge Padilla with failure to stop and render aid. Police said the case began near Antoine Drive and Sheraton Oaks, where Zepeda Lopez was beneath the vehicle before it moved.
Houston police said the vehicle drove away with Zepeda Lopez trapped underneath. Investigators said he was dragged about two blocks before he became dislodged. Officers found him dead at the scene. Police later located the vehicle abandoned at a nearby apartment complex. Investigators reviewed video with help from apartment staff and nearby business owners, authorities said.
Records say Padilla’s two minor children were inside the vehicle and witnessed the incident. Prosecutors said Padilla left the area after the crash. Investigators said video showed a woman exit the abandoned vehicle and get into another car, which was later tracked about five miles away. Police arrested Padilla after the vehicle was found.
The case moved into court Friday, when Padilla was expected to appear before a judge. Her failure to stop and render aid bond was set at $50,000, while a murder bond had not been set in early court records. Officials also described Padilla as a flight risk, citing her alleged flight from the scene and a prior federal immigration removal case.
Police have not released a full account of what led up to the fatal crash. FOX 26 reported that investigators said Padilla and Zepeda Lopez had been arguing before he was struck. Authorities have not said whether additional charges could follow or whether the children will be interviewed again as witnesses.
The investigation remains active in Harris County. Padilla faces murder and failure to stop and render aid charges as prosecutors prepare the next court steps in the death of Luis Adrian Zepeda Lopez.
Author note: Last updated June 22, 2026.