Brazos County, Texas — A Texas man charged in the death of rising boxing star Hannah Rapp had an extensive criminal history dating back more than a decade, according to court and jail records, raising fresh questions after prosecutors accused him of intentionally reversing his vehicle into the cyclist during an alleged road rage confrontation.
Authorities say Charles Eric Medina, 31, faces a manslaughter charge after the incident that claimed the life of the 26-year-old featherweight boxer on Saturday while she was cycling with her boyfriend, Will Pollalis, on a two-lane highway in Brazos County.
Alleged Road Rage Encounter Turned Deadly
According to investigators, Medina allegedly drove past the couple with very little room to spare as they rode their bicycles. Police said Pollalis reacted by raising his hands and yelling toward the passing vehicle.
Authorities allege Medina then abruptly stopped his vehicle, reversed and struck Hannah Rapp, causing her to be thrown into the rear window of the vehicle before she fell from her bicycle.
Rapp was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries, according to investigators.
Medina reportedly told authorities he reversed at a slow speed of about 15 mph to speak with Pollalis. However, investigators said the damage to his vehicle appeared inconsistent with that account and instead suggested a much stronger impact.
Court Records Reveal Lengthy Criminal History
Following the fatal crash, attention turned to Medina’s criminal record.
According to jail records, Medina had been arrested 13 times in Brazos County since 2012.
His previous arrests reportedly include reckless driving, evading arrest with a vehicle, another reckless driving case, a hit-and-run investigation, discharging a firearm and another evading arrest case.
Some of those earlier cases resulted in guilty pleas, while others remain unresolved, according to court records. Authorities also noted that Medina had previously been ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation.
He is currently being held on a $250,000 bond as the criminal case moves forward.
Hannah Rapp Was Building a Promising Boxing Career
Friends and supporters remember Hannah Rapp as a determined athlete who balanced her professional career with competitive boxing.
Before stepping into the boxing ring, Rapp competed in track and field at Purdue University. She later moved to Texas in 2024, where she worked as a fire and life safety inspector at Texas A&M while continuing to pursue boxing as a featherweight competitor based in Bryan.
Those who knew her described her as someone who inspired others through her work ethic, positivity and resilience. A fundraising campaign created to support her family had raised more than $22,000 by Monday evening.
“Hannah was resilient. She was brave and insightful, always pushing others to do their best.”
The fundraiser also remembered her deep connection with family and friends.
“She loved her family so incredibly much, and moving from Indiana to Texas meant distance for her friends and family. Hannah was an inspiration. Even on her hardest days, she continued to bring love, laughter, and light into the lives of others.”
Investigation Continues
Authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision as Medina faces criminal proceedings.
The case has drawn significant attention because of both the alleged road rage incident and Medina’s prior arrest history, while friends, family and members of the boxing community continue mourning the loss of an athlete whose promising future was cut tragically short.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Do you believe tougher penalties for repeat reckless driving offenders could help prevent incidents like this? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
