The man arrested in connection with the death of boxer Hannah Rapp has a documented history of arrests, including charges related to firearms and driving offenses, according to jail records.
Charles Medina, 31, was taken into custody on manslaughter charges after Rapp, 26, was fatally struck by a vehicle on a Texas highway Saturday. Brazos County Sheriff's Office officials stated that Rapp was cycling when a car passed her, stopped, and then reversed into her.
Medina told authorities that he believed the cyclists were attempting to flag him down. He stated that he applied his brakes, which locked up and caused the vehicle to stop. While reversing at approximately 15 mph, he claimed he did not see Rapp until the moment of impact.
Records indicate Medina's first arrest in Brazos County occurred in 2012 for reckless driving and evading arrest. He reportedly pleaded guilty in both cases. Subsequent arrests include charges of reckless driving in 2014 and a hit-and-run accusation in 2020. The outcomes of these cases are not immediately clear.
In 2024, Medina was arrested for deadly conduct involving the discharge of a firearm. Reports from that incident state that authorities responded to calls about a man chasing vehicles with an axe and a knife. Officers found him in his yard with a handgun and he subsequently fired several shots into the air, leading to a standoff and his arrest. That case remains open.
Investigators learned that the driver of the vehicle had passed two bicyclists before stopping, reversing, and striking Rapp, according to a statement from the Sheriff's Office. Life-saving measures were administered at the scene, but Rapp later died from her injuries at a hospital. Authorities currently believe this was an isolated incident.
Rapp, originally from Indiana, had been building a professional boxing career. She challenged for the WBC women's featherweight title on June 13, losing to Tiara Brown. Her professional record included eight wins, one draw, and one loss. Rapp had also competed in athletics before turning to boxing and worked full-time as a fire and life safety inspector during her training.
Promoter Jake Paul expressed condolences on social media, calling Rapp "gone too soon." WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman described her as an "exceptional boxer" and an "invaluable member of our boxing family." Tiara Brown remembered Rapp as the "best dance partner" she had faced as a professional.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Rapp's family with funeral expenses. The tribute on the page described her as a "beloved daughter," "sister," and "inspiring boxing athlete" known for her resilience and positive spirit.