PD: 2 more arrested in underage drinking party that led to student’s death

McALLEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — Two women are in custody accused of providing alcohol to minors at a pool party that left a McAllen Nikki Rowe High School student dead.

Michele Rodriguez Salas, 38, and Clarissa Marifer Salas, 17, are suspected of having alcohol available to minors, including student Adan De La Cruz, at the party that happened on Aug. 17, according to a news release from the McAllen Police Department.

Both women were arraigned Friday morning and were give $1,500 bond each. They remain in the Hidalgo County Jail in lieu of bond.

McAllen police Sgt. Saenz would not say if the two women, who share the same last name, are related.

“We have not released any familial relation however, I can share that the address shown during the booking process is the same for both,” Saenz told ValleyCentral.

Background

The party took place at a home on the 4700 block of North Bentsen Road. Just before midnight authorities were called regarding a person needing medical attention.

According to documents obtained by ValleyCentral, the person was identified as De La Cruz. Officials say he attempted to jump from the roof of a patio into a swimming pool but slipped, landed on the ground and hit his head.

De La Cruz died days later from his injuries..

Previous arrests

On Aug. 23, McAllen police charged Emma Sofia De La Cruz, 17 and Mateo Areli Castillo, 17, with furnishing alcohol to minors.

Both are suspected to have contributed to organizing a party where a fee was charged and alcohol was made available to minors including De La Cruz.

Heron Hernandez was charged with purchasing/furnishing alcohol to a minor, causing serious bodily injury, according to Hidalgo County Records.

According to a criminal complaint, authorities gathered four witness statements from guests at the party. They reported that they all found out about the party through a social media flyer with four Instagram accounts as the hosts, one of which belonged to Hernandez.

Witnesses said the flyer indicated there would be a $10 entrance fee that could be collected on CashApp in advance or $15 on the night of the party.

According to the complaint, Hernandez was connected to both the collection of the money online and collecting money at the party where minors were provided with free alcohol once they arrived.

On Aug. 18, Jaime Islas and his son were arrested and charged with purchasing/furnishing alcohol to a minor causing serious bodily injury.

Islas is accused of providing alcohol and the location to host the pool party, which he borrowed from his brother-in-law, according to a criminal complaint obtained from ValleyCentral.

The case remains under investigation.

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