JULY 25, 2018 FOUND IN SPACE
ADVOCATE MISSED
Local girl follows interest in aerospace technology at Space Camp
Motorcyclists/community mourns passing of local advocate
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Hays Free Press © Barton Publications, Inc.
75¢
Vol. 123 • No. 17
HaysFreePress.com
Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX
History of abuse alleged in death of 21-month-old in Kyle BY MOSES LEOS III
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Janet Rodriguez (left) consoles Ashley Vaca during a press conference where they advocated for Buda resident Janelie Rodriguez’s release from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement custody.
A documented history of abuse is coming to light in a case involving a Kyle couple accused of killing their 21-monthold son in early July. On Monday, Kyle Police arrested and charged Stevie Dwayne
Williams, Jr., 24, and Dazrine Ruth Chagoya-Williams, 21, with capital murder of a person under 10 years of age. Authorities also charged the couple with injury of a child due to the condition of their 8-month-old daughter, who has since been
place in Child Protective Services (CPS) custody. Both charges are capital felonies, according to a city of Kyle press release. The case stems from a July 4 call to Kyle Police, who were dispatched
DEATH OF A CHILD, 9
CHAGOYAWILLIAMS
WILLIAMS
Family advocates for undocumented Buda woman’s release BY MOSES LEOS III
with us because of her mental health issues.” Concerns about Enrique also worries the welfare of an about Janelie’s overall undocumented Buda welfare, citing a video woman in Immigrations he saw of other people and Customs detained in ICE facilities Enforcement (ICE) who had gotten into custody is leading her fights. family to advocate for her Janet Rodriguez, release. Janelie’s mother, said her Buda resident Enrique daughter has not slept Rodriguez worries that well during her stay. Janet, Janelie Rodriguez, his Enrique and Vaca don’t stepsister, isn’t receiving believe she has been the proper medical receiving medications, treatment for mental except for her inhaler. issues she is experiencing, “She’s not supposed to which he believes would be there. They’re taking a be better administered at risk on her life,” Enrique home. said. “I think if they Enrique, along with think about it, with her Janet Rodriguez, Janelie’s medical condition, she mother, and Ashley Vaca, is supposed to be treated Janelie’s niece, said she more safely.” was “pale” and was going Karen Muñoz, a through psychological representative with episodes when they Mana Amiga, said Janelie visited Janelie at the is sleeping in a dorm South Texas Detention with other detainees, Center in Pearsall. “even though they (ICE) Janelie Rodriguez, 25, have been told that is was placed into custody not what’s best for her.” in January on a felony Muñoz added the facility warrant stemming was “uncomfortable,” from an October 2017 with bright lights and was incident, where she constantly cold. bit a law enforcement ICE officials told officer. While the felony Muñoz there wasn’t charges were dropped in enough room at the early July, Hays County Pearsall center and there authorities turned were not enough beds to Janelie, who has lived in keep Janelie separated. Buda since her family “That’s not a significant immigrated to the area answer and that’s not when she was three years good enough for us,” she old, over to ICE custody. said. Enrique Rodriguez said On July 19, U.S. Janelie can “hear voices” and that she should “be ICE DETENTION, 2
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS
Fire rages through the roof of the Iconic Village Apartments located near Texas State University in the early morning hours of July 20. Five bodies have been recovered by emergency officials from the scene of the blaze.
San Marcos fire claims five lives, investigation into cause continues BY CARLIE PORTERFIELD
With the recovery of a fifth body from the scene of a deadly fire at an off-campus student apartment complex in San Marcos, investigators remain unsure about where or how the blaze began. During a July 23 morning press conference, Fire Marshal Kelly Kistner said a fourth victim had been recovered in building 500 of Iconic Village Apartments, the structure that was most affected by the
fire. The finding of a fifth was announced the same evening. Five residents of the apartment complex have been reported missing, but the investigators cannot confirm the bodies found are those of the people on that list until the victims are identified, Kistner said. Investigators still have not determined what started the fire or where it began. Authorities plan to be on the scene until at least July 27, but the investigation could last
COMING UP
July 27 through July 29 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, enjoy rodeo events and carnival. Team roping, barrel racing, chili cookoff and washer pitching tournament as well as lots of food vendors. For more information, call 512-858-4725.
Movie in the Park
Movies in the Park is back! Join us at the Buda Sportsplex, 310 Buda Sportsplex Drive, for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” on July 27, 2018. Admission is free! Movies start at 8:45 p.m.
Magic Show with Rodney Rash
Saturday, July 28, 2 to 3 p.m. at the Buda Public Library. The library welcomes Rodney Rash for a spectacular performance that rolls comedy, magic and hypnosis all in one.
LUMBER TARIFF Lumber tariffs are one variable in rising construction costs.
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INDEX
Dripping Springs Fair & Rodeo
weeks or even months after they leave. Kistner confirmed that the apartment complex was not outfitted with fire sprinklers, as it was built in 1970, which was before a San Marcos city ordinance requiring them took effect. Residents who escaped the blaze reported that the complex’s fire alarms did not go off, but authorities said they could not yet determine if the alarms were operational or not. Texas State University Provost Eugene Bourgeois
could not confirm if the four victims recovered were Texas State students until the remains are identified. The university is offering resources, such as emergency funds, housing referrals, counseling and help with sending absence notifications to university instructors, for students, faculty and staff affected. “The entire Texas State family is deeply saddened,” Bourgeois said. “To the hundreds dis-
APARTMENT FIRE, 2
Buda Farmers Market
Find local wares and produce every Sunday at the Farmers Market at Buda Mill & Grain from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Yarn Groupies (for adults 18+) Meet up with this group of fiber artists every Tuesday at the Kyle Public Library to crochet, knit or stitch to your heart’s delight. Next meeting is July 31 at 6:30 p.m. Call 512-268-7411 for more information.
News………………… 1-2 Opinion……………… 3 Sports…………………… 4 Education……………… 5 Community………… 6-7
Harry Potter’s Birthday Bashes
Celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday at the Buda and Kyle public libraries on July 31. The Buda Library will have two programs for 4th through 6th graders. One from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and a repeat 3 to 4 p.m. The Kyle Library will have a lock-in for youths 12-17, 6 to 10 p.m. There will be themed food, activities, games, decorations, DIY wands and potions, photo booth and more. For more information contact the Buda Library at 512-295-5899 or the Kyle Library at 512-268-7411.
Church Directory……… 7 Business……………… 8 Classifieds ……… ... 10 Service Directory…..... 11 Public Notices…… 10,12