Fernando Garza Jr., a 23-year-old Hispanic male from Mission, Texas, tragically lost his life on July 27, 2019. His body was discovered in an orchard south of Mile 13 Line and Iowa Road in Mission, with a gunshot wound to the face. The investigation into his death began when his mother, Blanca Herrera, reported him missing after not being able to contact him since July 23, 2019.
Authorities executed a search warrant at a residence on Maribel Ortiz Avenue in Mission, where they
encountered Edna Rivera and Julio Cesar De Leon. During the search, they found narcotics and a 9mm handgun. According to statements from Rivera and De Leon, Garza had been kidnapped and bound at gunpoint by De Leon and Alfredo Huerta. Rivera admitted to helping bind Garza's hands. De Leon confessed to shooting Garza in the face and leaving his body in the orchard.
Following the investigation, De Leon, Rivera, and Huerta were charged with capital murder. De Leon faced additional charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and drug possession, which were later dismissed as part of a plea deal. Huerta pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Rivera pleaded not guilty and remained in custody awaiting trial.
The tragic death of Fernando Garza Jr. led to a series of legal proceedings, with De Leon receiving a 46-year sentence for his involvement in the kidnapping and murder. The case highlighted the severe consequences of violent crime and the importance of swift justice for the victims and their families.
