Common-Law Husband Faces Murder Charges, More Construction Coming to El Paso + More in Today’s News

Common-Law Husband Faces Murder Charges

The common-law husband of a woman found dead in her East El Paso home Sunday has been arrested on murder charges.  Police say 49-year-old Greg Dudley is being held on a $250-thousand bond in the death of Deanna Stewart.  The victim apparently suffered a gunshot wound to her back, and another to her chest.  Police suspect Stewart was killed Friday, but her body wasn't found until Sunday night.

More Cone Zones Coming To East El Paso

County Commissioners have given the green light to a series of six new road construction projects in east El Paso County.  Commissioner Vince Perez says new and improved roads are needed on the east side of town because of widespread population growth in the area.  Perez says construction will begin next year, including the expansion of Eastlake Boulevard among other projects.

Burn Ban Remains In Effect

El Paso County's burn ban will remain in effect, despite recent rainfall and cooler temperatures.  County Judge Veronica Escobar says the ban has been renewed for another 90 days to control local fire dangers caused by continuing dry conditions and strong winds.  Escobar says the penalty for violating the burn ban can be a fine up to 500 dollars.

There's Good News For Rio Grande River Flow

Officials say more water will be flowing through the Rio Grande River this summer, thanks to heavier snowpack in southern Colorado where the river starts.  El Paso Water spokesman John Balliew says the city will be getting 30-thousand acre feet of water this year, up from just 22-thousand acre feet last year.  While that's certainly good news, Balliew says that doesn't mean the drought is over.

Two Children Die In New Mexico Accident

An El Paso man has been hospitalized, and two children have been killed following a crash on U.S. 84 south of Anton Chico, New Mexico.  Police identify the two dead children as 12-year-old Luciano Aragon and seven-year-old Juaquin Guttierrez who were in a vehicle hit by 19-year-old David Herrera of El Paso.   Herrera and the driver of the other car have both been hospitalized.

Sex Offender Is On The Loose

Police in El Paso are on the lookout for a registered sex offender.  Police say 39-year-old Jose Varela was originally arrested on two counts of sexual assault, but was released on bond last month.  Since then, Varela has failed to report for a scheduled hearing, and is now considered a fugitive.  Police say this is the second time Varela has failed to show up for a scheduled hearing.