PORT ARTHUR, Texas — A 48-year-old man who was set to face trial for the 2021 death of a Port Arthur woman has changed his plea to guilty.
(Editor's note: The above video is from a December 8, 2021 newscast.)
Lonnie Rogers is charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of 27-year-old Madison Martinez. Police believe Martinez died after being thrown from a moving vehicle.
Rodgers changed his plea to guilty as the jury was being selected. He is set to be sentenced by Judge John Stevens in September.
Related: Port Arthur Police investigating death of woman witnesses say was thrown from moving vehicle Friday
The deadly incident happened on October 15, 2021. Port Arthur Police responded to Lake Arthur Drive and 9th Avenue after receiving a call about a woman who was thrown from a vehicle.
Responding officers found an unresponsive Martinez suffering from life-threatening injuries. Martinez was taken to an area hospital where she later died a day later on October 16, 2021.
Rodgers was arrested on November 10, 2021.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
GET NEWS & WEATHER ALERTS | Download the 12News App to your mobile device
CRIME STOPPERS | Submit a tip @ 833Tips.com
CRIME STOPPERS APP | Download the P3 Tips App
If you have information about a crime you could earn a cash reward of up to $1000 by providing an ANONYMOUS tip to Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas.
Call 833-TIPS (8477) or download the P3Tips App on your mobile device to submit your tip anonymously.