Pedestrian killed in Spring Valley crash was in relationship with driver, police say

By Pashtana Usufzy

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015 | 9:52 p.m.

A man who authorities allege intentionally hit a 42-year-old woman with a vehicle Monday afternoon in Spring Valley before plowing into a home was in a relationship with the victim, according to Metro Police.

Jesus Mendoza-Cabezas, 41, was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on counts including first-degree murder with a deadly weapon, driving under the influence, driving without a license and failure to maintain lane/improper lane change, according to jail records.

He was also booked on an outstanding warrant for DUI and other traffic-related charges, police said.

Police were called about 5:10 p.m. to the scene of a serious-injury accident near the intersection of Russell and Lindell roads, and when they arrived, they found a vehicle had crashed through a wall and into the side of a home, according to a news release.

Underneath the vehicle was the body of Gabriela Martin De Mendoza, who was pronounced dead on scene, police said.

Police say Mendoza-Cabezas and Martin De Mendoza were in a domestic relationship and had been seen arguing.

The woman was crossing the street on foot, and Mendoza-Cabezas allegedly drove down the street before making a U-turn, accelerating and hitting her, police said.

Mendoza-Cabezas left on foot after the crash, but witnesses brought him back to the scene, police said.

This is the 100th homicide this year investigated by Metro Police.