On the evening of New Year's Day 2026, a fatal shooting in Hargill, Texas, claimed the life of 41-year-old David Adam Garza. The events unfolded at approximately 8:17 p.m. when law enforcement responded to a vehicle crash near the intersection of 5th and Gill streets. Upon arrival, they discovered Garza inside his white Toyota Tundra, not only injured from the crash but also suffering from a gunshot wound and showing no pulse.
Investigators determined that the incident began with an altercation at a location on the 600 block of Couch Street, a few blocks away from the crash site. As Garza was driving away from this confrontation, a suspect opened fire, striking him. Despite his injuries, Garza continued to drive north on Gill Street, where he was involved in a minor collision with another vehicle before ultimately crashing into a tree. Witnesses at the scene pulled Garza from his vehicle and attempted to provide life-saving aid before medical personnel arrived, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation quickly led to a suspect, identified as 23-year-old Jose Ascencion Lopez Jr. He was arrested and subsequently charged with murder. During the investigation, authorities recovered a handgun that matched the brand and caliber of ammunition found at the scene of the shooting. Lopez was arraigned, and his bond was set at $1.5 million. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office has urged anyone with additional information regarding the case to come forward as the investigation continues.
