HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Navy veteran accused of brutally beating a disabled man who used a wheelchair has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and will be sentenced to eight years in prison.
Hayden Humphreys, 33, admitted responsibility for the 2022 death of Rudy Diaz, a Houston man who relied on a wheelchair after losing all ten toes to frostbite during a severe winter storm.
According to court records, Diaz was in his wheelchair along McKay Drive near Bush Intercontinental Airport in July 2022 when Humphreys, described as “likely intoxicated,” attacked him. Witnesses told police Humphreys repeatedly struck Diaz in the face, “throwing haymakers,” court documents show, after being thrown out of the nearby Mile High Club.
Diaz’s brother, Benji Diaz, said the 38-year-old victim was incapable of defending himself.
“He had just gotten all ten of his toes amputated maybe two or three months before that happened,” he said.
Humphreys told police he acted in self-defense, claiming Diaz “jumped out of his wheelchair and attacked” him after he asked for money. Family members do not believe that account.
Diaz was hospitalized after the assault and died 19 days later from complications of blunt force trauma, records show.
Humphreys, who had been free on bond on a murder charge, pleaded guilty on Monday. At court, family members tried to block an ABC13 camera.
His attorney, Juan L. Guerra, said the case has been a “deeply sobering and life-changing experience for him and his loved ones,” while also noting that Diaz had drugs in his system and pre-existing health issues.
Diaz’s brother said he was disappointed by the reduced charge and the plea deal, but grateful for some prison time. He feared Humphreys would negotiate for probation.
“Anybody who is out there hurting people in that type of manner or taking advantage of people who can’t defend themselves,” Benjy Diaz said, “I don’t think they deserve to be free at all.”
Humphreys will be formally sentenced on Dec. 1st.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the plea deal.
Humphreys’ attorney provided the following statement:
On behalf of himself and his family, Mr. Humphreys wishes to express their deepest sorrow and regret for the tragic loss of Mr. Diaz. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends who are experiencing unimaginable pain. As a husband, father, and Navy veteran, he fully accepts responsibility for his part in what happened. This has been a deeply sobering and life-changing experience for him and his loved ones.
It is also important to acknowledge several relevant facts: Mr. Diaz had serious pre-existing medical conditions, and toxicology indicates that controlled substances were in his system at the time of the incident. Additionally, it is a profound regret that the medical care which might have saved his life was not received.
By accepting the eight-year TDC plea agreement, he recognizes that his actions contributed to this outcome. He does not seek to diminish the magnitude of the loss, nor avoid the accountability this situation demands. His hope is that through owning what he has done, continuing to reflect, and committing to a better path forward, some measure of healing may begin for all who are impacted.
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