Off-duty officer assaulted by car vandals, dies from injuries

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Officer Jonathan Molina of the El Paso (Texas) Police, who was violently attacked late last month after approaching three people allegedly vandalizing his car, died Friday morning.

Molina, a four-year veteran with the police department, suffered a fractured skull, internal head injuries and multiple facial fractures from the incident. He was hospitalized at University Medical Center under critical condition, until he died Friday morning.

Juan Antonio Gonzalez, who was originally charged with aggravated assault against a public servant, is being re-booked for capital murder, police said. His bail will be set at $5 million.

Police said Gonzalez is being charged with capital murder because Molina, 29, was a peace officer doing his duty and he announced he was an officer.

Detectives from the Crimes Against Persons Unit determined that Molina confronted Gonzalez, Alan Medrano and another person after they allegedly damaged the officer's car, police said.

Police said Molina identified himself as an off-duty officer, and at that point, he was attacked by Gonzalez and taken to the ground, injuring his head.

The victim lost consciousness and was unable to protect himself while Gonzalez continued to attack him in the face and head, police said.

Police said Medrano attempted to flee police while he was being detained, and was charged at the time with evading arrest or detention.

It is unknown if Medrano's charges will change.