On September 7, 2024, at approximately 12:07 a.m., Anderson County Sheriff's deputies responded to a reported shooting at a residence in the 100 block of ACR 102 in Palestine, Texas. Upon arrival, they found 28-year-old Manuel Vallejo Garza suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services from Palestine Regional Medical Center treated Garza at the scene; however, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
The initial investigation identified Andres Mendez Becerra as a person of interest in Garza's death. Authorities believed Becerra had fled Anderson County immediately following the incident. A warrant was issued for his arrest on charges related to the murder of Garza. Subsequently, on September 10, 2024, law enforcement officials, including Anderson County Sheriff's deputies, the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Police Department, and the U.S. Marshal's Fugitive Task Force, located and apprehended Becerra at a residence on Spring View in Dallas, Texas. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Dallas County Jail, awaiting transfer to Anderson County to face charges.
The crime scene was processed with assistance from the Texas Rangers, and an inquest was conducted by Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 Gary Thomas, who ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The arrest of Becerra marked a significant development in the case, as investigators continued to piece together the events leading up to Garza's death. As of the latest available information, Becerra remained in custody, with formal charges pending further investigation.
