Judge Sentences Man for 2017 Waco Hit-and-Run Death
Omar Dominguez Martinez received a five-year prison sentence following his guilty plea for a fatal 2017 incident.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Accidents
A judge has sentenced 42-year-old Omar Dominguez Martinez to five years in prison for his role in a 2017 hit-and-run death on New Dallas Highway. Martinez entered a guilty plea for the crime, which resulted in the death of 36-year-old Jana McElyea.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a long-standing investigation that remained open for years until detectives secured new information in 2024. This resolution brings legal closure to the family of the victim who was struck while attempting to cross the highway.
Omar Dominguez Martinez received a five-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to an accident involving death. The defendant is 42 years old, and the case was resolved following an arrest in October 2024.
The players
Omar Dominguez Martinez
The 42-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to the charge of accident involving death.
Jana McElyea
The 36-year-old victim was killed in a hit-and-run while crossing the highway.
The details
The fatal collision occurred when 36-year-old Jana McElyea was struck while attempting to cross New Dallas Highway in July 2017. Following the incident, the case remained cold for years until Bellmead police detectives received new information in early 2024 that led to the arrest of Martinez.
Timeline
July 2017: Jana McElyea was killed in a hit-and-run collision on New Dallas Highway.
Early 2024: Detectives received critical case information leading to a resolution.
October 8, 2024: Omar Dominguez Martinez was arrested.
October 28, 2026: A judge sentenced Omar Dominguez Martinez to five years in prison.
Legal Context
The sentencing follows the sentencing guidelines established by the Texas Transportation Code's accident involving death statutes for felony convictions. Cases of this nature often face lengthy delays when witnesses do not come forward immediately after the incident.
This case highlights the importance of witnesses coming forward in cold cases to ensure justice for victims on local roads. Residents should report any relevant information regarding traffic incidents to the Bellmead Police Department to assist ongoing investigations.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder that investigative efforts can persist for years even when initial leads are scarce. Families seeking justice for victims of traffic crimes rely on the willingness of the public to report information long after an incident has occurred.
Further reading
For more information on similar public safety investigations, visit Waco Accidents.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kwtx.
