Man fatally shot before crashing vehicle in Hargill; suspect charged with murder
Edinburg News, Edinburg TX News, crime investigation, Hidalgo County Sheriff
Staff Report
Edinburg, TX – A 41-year-old man was shot and killed before crashing his vehicle in Hargill on New Year’s Day, and a suspect has been charged with first-degree murder, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies with the sheriff’s office and troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety responded at about 8:17 p.m. Jan. 1 to the area of Fifth Street and Gill Street in reference to a vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers found David Adam Garza, 41, suffering from a gunshot wound and without a pulse.
Events leading up to the shooting
Major Crimes investigators determined that Garza had been involved in an altercation at another location a few blocks away prior to the crash. Investigators said Garza was leaving a residence in the 600 block of Couch Street in a white Toyota Tundra when a suspect fired multiple shots at the vehicle, striking him.
Despite being wounded, Garza continued driving north on Gill Street, where he was involved in a minor collision with another vehicle before ultimately crashing into a tree.
Emergency response
Witnesses reported pulling Garza from the vehicle before medical personnel arrived. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but Garza was pronounced dead at the scene.
Suspect charged
Investigators identified 23-year-old Jose Ascencion Lopez Jr. as the suspect. Lopez was formally charged with murder, a first-degree felony, and bond was set at $1.5 million.
During the investigation, authorities recovered a handgun containing the same brand and caliber of ammunition found at the scene, officials said.
Ongoing investigation
The case remains under investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office at 956-383-8114. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers at 956-668-8477 or submit a tip through the P3 Tips mobile application.
Source — Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.