Lourdes M. Luna, a 33-year-old Hispanic woman, tragically lost her life on March 23, 2016, in Rio Grande City, Texas. She was found dead in her home, along with her colleague Oneida Balderas Garza, 44, who also worked for the Rio Grande City Consolidated Independent School District. Both women were discovered bound and shot in the head, indicating an execution-style murder. The incident occurred between 7 a.m.
and 9 a.m., and the bodies were found later that morning.
The investigation into their deaths was taken over by the Texas Rangers, a division of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Despite extensive efforts, the case remains unsolved. Starr County District Attorney Omar Escobar has stated that while several people have been interviewed, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. The district attorney's office has offered a reward for information leading to an arrest and successful prosecution, which has been increased to $20,000 due to the lack of progress.
The community has been deeply affected by the loss of Luna and Garza, who were well-regarded employees and friends. The Rio Grande City CISD held a vigil and planted trees in their memory, and a bench with their faces was unveiled at the district's administration building. Despite the passage of time, the case continues to be a priority for law enforcement, and the Texas Rangers remain committed to finding justice for the victims.
The tragic deaths of Lourdes M. Luna and Oneida Balderas Garza have left a lasting impact on the community, and the search for answers continues.
