Edinburg police arrest suspect in 2024 homicide case

Edinburg News, Edinburg TX News, Crime, Public Safety

Staff Report

Edinburg, TX – The Edinburg Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with a March 2, 2024 homicide following a multi-agency investigation spanning more than two years. The case involves the death of 29-year-old Victor Gerardo Hernandez, who was found with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle at a local motel.

Investigation details

Officers responded at approximately 4:16 a.m. on March 2, 2024, to reports of gunfire at 202 N. 25th Ave., identified as the Texas Inn. Upon arrival, officers located Hernandez deceased inside a vehicle in the parking lot.

Police secured the scene and initiated a criminal investigation. Detectives later identified two suspects in the case: Hector Oliver Ramirez and Fernando Amaya Orona.

Arrest and coordination

Authorities said Ramirez fled to Mexico shortly after the incident and was later indicted, with an arrest warrant issued. After more than two years, law enforcement located and apprehended Ramirez through a coordinated effort involving the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office and Mexican law enforcement agencies.

Ramirez has since been transferred to U.S. custody and is currently being held at the Hidalgo County Jail.

Police Chief Jaime Ayala said the arrest reflects the department’s commitment to pursuing suspects across jurisdictions. “This arrest demonstrates our unwavering commitment to justice. No matter how long it takes or how far someone runs, our investigators will continue working with our partners to hold those responsible accountable,” Ayala said.

Second suspect

Investigators later learned that the second suspect, Fernando Amaya Orona, died in Mexico, according to police. DEA McAllen Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eric Castaneda described Ramirez as a threat to the community.

“Ramirez was not only a violent offender, but he posed as a threat to the Edinburg community and the safety of its residents,” Castaneda said.

Ongoing investigation

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and no additional details are being released at this time.

Source: Edinburg Police Department