On March 25, 2017, 49-year-old Jose De Jesus Cano was tragically killed in Progreso, Texas. The incident occurred around 3:54 a.m. when the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fired at a residence on the 600 block of Martinez Street. Upon arrival, deputies found 23-year-old Juan Gerardo Casares deceased on the street with multiple gunshot wounds.
Cano, who had been shot, was later pronounced dead at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco.
The investigation revealed that a white passenger car with three males arrived at the residence, left briefly, and then returned with a fourth male. A physical altercation ensued, leading to the use of handguns and the firing of 21 shots. The gunfire resulted in the deaths of Cano and Casares, while a third man, 28-year-old Nelson Salazar, sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg.
Following the incident, the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office arrested four suspects: Eduardo Alejandro Cano , Fernando Juan Casares , Eduardo Casares , and Jordan Jovvany Garces , all of Progreso. They were charged with murder and taken into custody. The suspects claimed self-defense, but the evidence gathered by investigators led to their formal charges.
The case drew significant attention due to the number of shots fired and the involvement of multiple individuals. The investigation was extensive, involving nearly 30 sheriff’s office and Progreso personnel. Despite the suspects' claims, the evidence suggested a premeditated act, resulting in the tragic deaths of Cano and Casares.
The community of Progreso was deeply affected by the loss of Cano, a 49-year-old Hispanic male, and the subsequent legal proceedings against the four suspects. The case remains a poignant reminder of the impact of violence and the importance of thorough investigations in seeking justice for victims and their families.
