HOUSTON — Elvis Muñoz is recovering from life-threatening injuries at home after an alleged violent attack by his ex-girlfriend, Alexys Pinto. The chilling incident, which Muñoz says was an attempted murder, left him with multiple gunshot wounds, requiring extensive surgeries on his lungs, intestines, and hands. Despite his survival, Muñoz is now living in constant fear, as Pinto, who is charged with the attack, has recently had her bond significantly reduced.
The nightmare unfolded on September 5 when Muñoz and Pinto were driving to a wooded area near 288 and Airport Boulevard under the guise of watching the sunset. Instead, Muñoz says Pinto pulled out a gun and began shooting at him, emptying the weapon in a terrifying barrage of bullets.
Muñoz recalls feeling his left hand strike by a bullet, followed by shots to his chest and stomach as he ran for his life. When Pinto aimed directly at his face, Muñoz says he was able to narrowly escape injury by quickly moving, but the bullet still grazed him. In a desperate move, he convinced her to call for help. Pinto drove him to a nearby gas station where emergency responders finally arrived.
Now, months later, Muñoz is left disabled, struggling with limited hand mobility, and grappling with the trauma of the attack. But his worry has only intensified since Pinto’s bond was reduced from $75,000 to $10,000, allowing her to be released from custody while awaiting trial.
This choice has alarmed Muoz and his family, and Ana Fernandez, his sister, has expressed her disgust with the circumstances. “I’m furious that the system is not doing its part,” she said, adding that Pinto’s reported mental illness should not have been a factor in reducing the bond.
Under the conditions of her release, Pinto is required to wear an ankle monitor, but Muñoz is still terrified that she might return to harm him or his loved ones. “She might want to come back and do something,” he said, as he remains haunted by the memories of that violent day.
This case highlights the growing concern over domestic violence in the Houston area, where many victims suffer in silence, fearing further harm. For those affected, resources like the Houston Area Women’s Center and the National Domestic Violence Hotline are available to offer support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text START to 88788 for confidential support.
