In a chilling case of domestic violence, a Texas man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for strangling his girlfriend after she spoke to their Uber driver. The incident, which occurred in June 2022, highlights the devastating consequences of jealousy and violence within relationships.
Lauro Selena, 50, became enraged when his girlfriend of two years engaged in a brief conversation with their Uber driver upon arriving home in Montgomery County. Prosecutors say Selena, blinded by jealousy, physically assaulted his girlfriend, punching her in the face and knocking her to the ground. He then proceeded to strangle her, jeopardizing her life.
Bodycam footage captures the aftermath of the assault as the victim speaks with a police officer on her porch.
The victim’s eight-year-old son, witnessing the horrific scene, bravely intervened, pleading with Selena to stop hurting his mother. This courageous act likely saved the woman’s life, as prosecutors believe the assault would have continued had the child not stepped in.
Bodycam footage obtained by Law & Crime captured the harrowing aftermath of the attack. The victim, visibly injured with a swollen lip, blood on her shirt, and scratches covering her body, recounted the events to a responding police officer through her older son, who translated from Spanish.
The victim, seated on a chair, points to where she was attacked while recounting the events to the police officer.
The victim explained that the altercation began during the Uber ride when Selena became convinced that she was flirting with the driver simply because she asked how long he had been working for the company. This seemingly innocuous question sparked an argument that escalated into violence upon their arrival home.
Selena fled the scene before police arrived, but officers later discovered one of his firearms hidden under the bed in the victim’s bedroom. This discovery further heightened the gravity of the situation, as Selena had left with another gun. The victim and her sons, fearing for their safety, revealed that Selena had a history of violence and expressed concern that he might return.
The police officer inspects the firearm discovered in the victim's bedroom, raising concerns about Selena's potential for further violence.
Emergency medical services transported the victim to a local hospital, where she received treatment for her injuries. While recounting the attack to the officer, the victim revealed that she blacked out during the strangulation, unable to recall the duration or specific details. She admitted to having difficulty breathing both during and after the assault, experiencing dizziness, disorientation, and a loss of vision.
The victim, understandably shaken by the experience, expressed her fear and desire for a protective order against Selena. She emphasized that she wanted no further contact with him and worried about his potential to harm her or her sons again.
Selena was apprehended and charged with assault, family violence, and impeding breath or circulation. Due to his prior convictions for assault on a family member and possession of marijuana, he faced a significantly enhanced sentence. In March of this year, a Texas jury found Selena guilty of strangulation, ultimately sentencing him to 50 years behind bars.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the insidious nature of domestic violence and the importance of holding abusers accountable for their actions. The victim’s bravery in coming forward and the young boy’s courage in intervening demonstrate the strength and resilience of survivors.
