Rebekah Mae Degrange, a 37-year-old woman from Aransas Pass, Texas, tragically lost her life on January 23, 2021. She was known for her vibrant personality, love for music, and her compassionate nature. Rebekah was a mother to two children, Lawrence Mitchell Collins and Jaycee Jo Marie Vest, who were her greatest treasures. Her untimely death was part of a double homicide that also claimed the life of her brother, Joseph Degrange, who was 32 years old.
The investigation into Rebekah's death revealed that the prime suspect was Omar Rolando Guerra, a 42-year-old man with a history of unfriendly interactions with the Degrange family. According to police reports, Guerra disabled the video surveillance system at the Degrange trailer before entering and fatally shooting both Rebekah and Joseph. Guerra was arrested on January 28, 2021, and charged with capital murder.
The case went to trial, and on January 9, 2023, Omar Guerra was found guilty of capital murder. His brother, Alex Guerra, was also charged with hindering the apprehension and prosecution of a known felon. However, Alex was found not guilty of capital murder. Omar Guerra was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, bringing some measure of justice to the grieving Degrange family.
The community and law enforcement worked tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice, and the conviction of Omar Guerra was seen as a significant step towards improving the quality of life in Aransas Pass. The Degrange family, while still mourning their loss, found some comfort in the outcome of the trial.
Rebekah Degrange's legacy lives on through her children and the memories she left behind with her family and friends. Her story is a reminder of the impact of senseless violence and the importance of community support in seeking justice for victims and their families.
