On May 10, 2021, James Melgar, an 18-year-old male from Martindale, Texas, was tragically killed in a shooting incident. The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call at approximately 8:52 p.m. reporting gunfire in the area of Northwest River Road and Scull Road near Martindale. When sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene, they found James Melgar and another teenager, Adian Zulaica, 17, with gunshot wounds lying next to a vehicle.
Emergency crews arrived shortly after and began treatment. Unfortunately, James Melgar was declared dead at the scene, while Adian Zulaica was transported to Seton Hays hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting led the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office to identify two suspects: Michael Adam Morris, 29, and Olivia Oliva, 29. Both suspects were arrested on May 11, 2021, in Hays County and charged with capital murder. They were subsequently taken to the Caldwell County Jail, where they were held without bond. The Sheriff's Office stated that they do not believe there are any additional suspects involved in this incident.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and further details about the relationship between the victims and the suspects have not been disclosed. The case has garnered significant attention in the local community, with many residents expressing their shock and grief over the loss of two young lives. The legal proceedings against Michael Adam Morris and Olivia Oliva are ongoing, and they face serious charges that could result in severe penalties if convicted. The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting to ensure that justice is served for James Melgar and Adian Zulaica.
