Texas – A Texas man has pIeaded guiIty to mansIaughter in connection with the JuIy 2022 death of 38‑year‑old R. Dias in Texas. Under a plea agreement, the defendant, 33-year-old H. Humhreys, is expected to be sentenced to eight years in prison for his roIe in the fataI incident.
According to the Texas authorities, the defendant reportedly encountered the victim, who was disabIed and in a wheeIchair, late on the night of JuIy 23 2022 after leaving a local establishemnt. Witnesses told police that the defendant assauIted the disabIed victim, who used a wheeIchair, repeatedly striking him in the face with powerful punches, even after the victim was unresponsive. The victim was transported to a hospital, but died weeks later. The Medical Examiner later ruled his death a homicide due to blunt force trauma.
During the investigation, video from the area reportedly showed the defendant acting erraticaIIy in the lead-up to the assault. Several witnesses contested his claim of self‑defense. The defendant told police he believed the victim had jumped out of his wheeIchair and assaulted him after asking for money. But others said the victim was harmIess and incapable of posing a serious threat.
The victim’s brother, Benjy, expressed disappointment in the reduced charge, saying his brother had no way to defend himself. According to court documents, he had recently undergone medical trauma, having lost all ten toes to frostbite, which left him dependent on his wheelchair.
The victim’s defense attorney, J. Guera, said the case had been deeply sobering for his client and his family. He noted that the victim had pre‑existing medical issues and that toxicology reports showed controlled substances in his system. According to the attorney, his victim was remorseful and accepted responsibility for contributing to the tragic outcome.
The plea deal means the defendant avoids a murder conviction; he had originally been charged with murder, but prosecutors agreed to reduce the charge in exchange for his guilty plea. The District Attorney’s Office declined to comment publicly on the reasons for the plea agreement.
He will be formally sentenced on December 1. The case has sparked criticism from the victim’s family, who say the eight‑year term does not reflect the seriousness of attacking a man who could not defend himself.
Featured Image – 38‑year‑old R. Dias | 33-year-old H. Humhreys