Mom faces judge for her alleged role in son's prom date death

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- She's accused of providing drugs and alcohol to her son and his prom date. The date later died. Now one mom is facing some serious charges for her part in the case.

Melissa Ann Martinez, 40, was arraigned Monday at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center. She's accused of providing alcohol and Hydrocodone to her son Eddie Herrera, 18, and his prom date, Jackie Gomez, 17.

The day after the MacArthur High School prom, on May 17, 2014, Jackie Gomez was found dead in a hotel room that Martinez had provided for her and Martinez's son. Herrera later reportedly admitted to strangling Gomez.

Authorities say Martinez also did admit to providing Hydrocodone and alcohol to her son.

Assistant District Attorney Bill Exley says he will be looking into "the consequences of what their conduct was, which everybody has a great interest in this particular case, so obviously I think we view this pretty seriously. Providing alcohol and drugs to kids is illegal and in this case highlights the reason why."

Defense attorney Doug O'Brien says his client is remorseful, and it's a tragic event that something like this would happen, let alone at a prom.

Martinez is charged with two felony counts of delivery of a controlled substance, regarding the Hydrocodone. If convicted it could lead up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine for each charge.

She's also facing one misdemeanor charge of providing alcohol to a minor, which carries up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

The case is also rescheduled for April 14, so Martinez can hire a new attorney. O'Brien is currently representing Eddie Herrera, which the judge said could be seen as a conflict of interest.

The judge also ordered Martinez to be drug tested, while on bond.