Couple's walk turns violent and deadly

LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) - A couple’s walk home from a night at a downtown Lockhart bar left one dead and another charged with murder.

Michael Perez, 41, turned himself in after his girlfriend, Angie Mendez, died from injuries that police say he caused.

According to police and friends of Mendez, the two left Lilly’s Bar early Sunday morning to walk home.

Police say Perez was upset because the two missed their ride home and began assaulting Mendez, knocking her to the ground and forcing her face into the dirt.

Mendez made it home, but was taken to a hospital in Kyle on Sunday after complaining about continued pain and throbbing in her head.

She died Monday after being transferred to Brackenridge University Medical Center.

Friends said the couple had a troubled past.

“They have had their problems,” said Josie French. “This could have been avoided by him keeping his hands off of her.”

A benefit to help Mendez’s family with funeral cost will be held at Lilly’s Bar on Wednesday night.

Perez remained in Caldwell County Jail on Tuesday on a murder charge. His bail is $100,000.