GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas — An Alvin man was found guilty Wednesday of beating his pregnant girlfriend in 2021. He also learned his sentence.
Michael Alegria agreed to spend 10 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole after serving half of the time.
What happened
On June 8, 2021, Galveston County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a 911 call after getting reports of an assault at a motel in San Leon.
The victim said her boyfriend, Alegria, showed up at the motel and immediately began beating her.
The couple had a fight the night before and when Alegria, 36 at the time, showed up the following day, he punched her in the head and face, hit her on the back with a frying pan and held a knife to her throat while holding her down on a bed.
The victim was six months pregnant at the time of the assault.
The trial
Alegria was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony.
His trial began on Jan. 24. The victim testified about the abuse she endured.
Photos of her injuries, including bruises to her face, neck and back, were also shown in court.
The jury returned a guilty verdict against Alegria on Wednesday.
Domestic violence resources
Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.
24-hour hotlines
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.
The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at 281-446-2615.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Text for help
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
Or text LOVEIS to 22522.
