El Paso Police Department, Texas
End of Watch: Friday, October 5, 2012
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: 2759
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: September 25, 2012
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 50 years
Patrolman Jonathan Molina succumbed to injuries sustained ten days earlier when he was beaten by a juvenile on Trowbridge Drive, near Route 54.
Patrolman Molina was off duty when he observed three juveniles vandalize his car. He confronted the three and identified himself as a police officer. As he spoke to them one of the juveniles punched him, knocking him to the ground. The teen continued to beat him even after knocking him unconscious. Patrolman Molina suffered a fractured skull, internal head injuries, and facial fractures.
All three juveniles fled the scene but were apprehended. The subject who had beaten him was initially charged with assaulting a public servant but was later charged with capital murder of a peace officer following Patrolman Molina's death. He was subsequently sentenced to 50 years in prison.
Patrolman Molina was a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran in Iraq and Afghanistan and served with the El Paso Police Department for four years. He is survived by his mother, brother, and sister.