John Martin Alaniz, a 41-year-old man from Poteet, Texas, tragically passed away on August 30, 2020. He was born on November 20, 1978, and was a beloved member of his community. John is survived by his wife, Debra Alaniz, his parents Juan and Rita Alaniz, and his children, John Sebastian Alaniz, Ayden Alaniz, and Saylene Alaniz. He was also a loving brother to Veronica Lambardia and a cherished uncle to his nephews.
On the night of his death, John was shot multiple times at 150 Avenue H in Poteet. The Poteet Police Department responded to the call for shots fired and found John with multiple gunshot wounds. The investigation revealed that an 18-year-old suspect, Ashton Garcia, was responsible for the shooting. Garcia was identified as the suspect and later turned himself in to authorities in Jourdanton, Texas, on September 9, 2020. He was taken into custody by the Jourdanton Police Department and the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office.
Ashton Garcia was also wanted on prior charges of evading arrest with a motor vehicle and possession of marijuana. The Texas Rangers, along with the Atascosa County Sheriff's investigators and Jourdanton Police Department officers, worked diligently to locate Garcia and safely take him into custody. The collaborative efforts of these agencies led to Garcia's arrest and the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding John Martin Alaniz's death.
The community mourns the loss of John Martin Alaniz, a dedicated family man and a valued member of Poteet, Texas. His family and friends continue to seek justice for his untimely death, and the legal proceedings against Ashton Garcia are ongoing.
