A Texas man has been sentenced to 45 years in prison after he drove his car into a nightclub manager while allegedly trying to hit his wife during a violent confrontation in Houston.
Sanden James George, 37, pleaded guilty to murder in the death of 41-year-old Cindy Reyes. The incident took place on Aug. 18, 2024, after George and his wife went to downtown Houston to celebrate her birthday, according to a probable cause arrest affidavit.
Authorities said the couple visited Playground, a bar and nightclub in Houston’s midtown area. Before and during the night out, George drank heavily. According to the affidavit, he consumed a bottle of Hennessy and had at least three additional Hennessy drinks while at the club.
At some point, George and his wife got into an argument, prompting her to leave the venue. George followed her outside on foot and began assaulting her, officials said. Cindy Reyes, who worked as a manager at the nearby Barbarella’s club, saw the attack along with three of her co-workers.
Reyes and the other employees stepped in to help and tried to stop the assault. They managed to restrain George, but he broke free and ran toward his car, according to ABC13 Houston.
Once behind the wheel, George drove toward the area where his wife was standing, according to authorities. He nearly hit three bystanders, including one person who attempted to fire a shot at him. George then made a U-turn and drove toward his wife again.
His wife managed to avoid being hit by taking cover between two parked cars. Instead, George struck Reyes, throwing her across the street. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Officials said she died from blunt force trauma.
George was later arrested by police. Investigators said he admitted to drinking before arriving at the club and while he was there. He has remained in the Harris County Jail since his arrest.
Authorities also noted that George had a lengthy criminal history, including previous assault and drug-related offenses. During George’s first court appearance in 2024, prosecutors spoke about the emotional toll Reyes’ death had taken on her family and friends.
“They’re very distraught,” prosecutor Rodrigo Escobar told the Houston Chronicle. “They’re going to have to bury a friend, a daughter, a loved one, so they’re going through a lot right now.”
George will now serve a 45-year prison sentence for Reyes’ death.